A guest describing a good place in midwestern America...Admittedly like most historical places it wasn't always a very happy place, but now it is; and it was always a cool-looking place.
I've watched the museum staff creatively make local history come alive. And care for the artifacts like they were their own, including restoring this 114-year-old building. I have had fun helping, portraying a teacher in 1870 in the one-room schoolroom last December during their Christmas open house, a new idea that promises to be repeated yearly after the public response to being able to experience the way local residents celebrated the season in 4 eras. I can hardly wait to find out which eras they'll select at the end of 2012 after seeing the fun all had when they visited the soda shop in the 50's with teens practicing carols before going out to sing for neighbors; a few minutes in a Civil War kitchen talking to a grandmother and 2 grand-daughters packing a box of fresh baked cookies and socks and such as a Christmas gift from the homeland, for the father on the front line.
The teas they hold are booked quickly because of the varied topics and delightful homemade foods, and the fun everyone has preparing and enjoying. Here are some 2012 topics; every year has fun ones...
- Hats and Mint Juleps: A Derby Kind of Tea
- Living Large On A Tight Budget
- Childen's Tea: An Afternoon with Beatrix Potter and Friends
- Herb Garden Brunch & Tour: Herbs & Spices with an Ethnic Twist
- The Bees Knees and Other Sweet Secrets from the Hives
- Halloween Folklore Tea
- Christmas Tea & Tour
All of these require many hands and hearts with the willingness to work hard, the audacity to think we can 'do' it once again; and much laughter being experienced in the process.
Official site, including links to make reservations for future events if you'd like to see it in person! http://www.woodcountyhistory.org/#