Most often I am writing about articles, letters or pictures that I find in our museum collection, but this time I’m writing about objects, most specifically, ones that show how our ancestors spent their free time. Our new exhibit will be debuting on the weekend of June 22 and 23 along with an expanded two-day Historic Fair. The fair will include a living history exhibition, a chance to practice mustering like a Colonial soldier, a scavenger hunt, music, bake sale, a Treasure Hunt using compasses, old games, maybe animals and much more. The exhibit is titled; Past Pastimes-How We Entertained Ourselves for the Last 337 Years.
At the Museum, we have quite a few pieces that will be on display. There’s an early bathing suit, a set of cement children’s blocks, hoops to roll and a lot of board games from the 50’s and 60’s and– yes, our old games are close to 75 yrs. old.
We are looking to expand the exhibit with both adult and children’s items. Think a wooden Chinese checkers game, older crafts, autograph books, scrapbooks, card playing paraphernalia and how to play whist or canasta or pictures of card parties.
An old Victrola, Magic lantern, old dolls or wooden toys, cap pistols, Davy Crocket hat, old baseball glove or wooden skates. I think you can see what we’re looking for and the older the better. Items can be a donation or a loan, and you can get your antique back at the end of the exhibit. We’ll give a receipt for any loaners.
Pictures and reminisces would be great. We found at our board meeting that just naming a game from our childhoods sent us on a trip down memory lane.
We appreciate your help with this. Arrangements for drop-off or pickup can be coordinated with Connie (617 750 2818 eshbach2@aol.com or Sue 508 295 8908 sash48@comcast.net).
Watch for more info on the upcoming Maxi Fair with a Colonial Flair. With a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, we are greatly expanding our events. Many are geared to our youngest residents and visitors, so we hope you circle the date.
By Connie Eshbach