Connecticut State Library with state seal

Archives Month Activities at the Litchfield Historical Society

Lecture: From Highboy to Exhibit Label: Discovering Object History through Documentary Research

 

Derin Bray will present his lecture, From Highboy to Exhibit Label: Discovering Object History through Documentary Research. Derin conducted research for the Historical Society’s award winning exhibition of Litchfield County Furniture. His research led him to many historical societies and town halls throughout the county, and brought a richer understanding of the objects on display. Come hear him speak about how he was able to use probate records and other kinds of documents to recreate the stories of Litchfield County furniture and the men who made it. Get tips about how you can research your own art, antiques, and heirlooms to learn more about them.
 

Derin Bray is a specialist in the American Furniture & Decorative Arts department at Northeast Auctions in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He is a contributing author to Harbor & Home: Furniture of Southeastern Massachusetts, 1710-1850 and co-author of To Please Any Taste: The Furniture and Furniture Makers of Litchfield County, 1770-1830.
 

Saturday, October 3, 2009
10:00am
Litchfield Historical Society
7 South Street, Litchfield
www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org

 

Visits from Litchfield Schools

 

The Litchfield Schools also visit the Society in October, and making use of the archives will be part of their experience. The fourth grade students will be able to read letters written home by Litchfield Law School and Litchfield Female Academy Students, and make their own versions of the journals Litchfield Female Academy students kept modeled on those in the Society’s collection. The seventh grade students will learn about mourning and mourning customs.
 

 

Exhibit of Documents and Artifacts Related to Death and Mourning

A related display will be mounted throughout October in the Helga J. Ingraham Memorial Library. The Society will exhibit documents and artifacts related to death and mourning. If you’ve never seen a hair memorial or mourning jewelry, stop by and take a peek. Featured documents will include a very early subscription to purchase a hearse and a building to house it, correspondence about various deaths, and advertisements for death related businesses. Stop by during library hours, Tuesday through Friday 10am-12 pm or 1pm-4pm. If your interest is piqued, stay a while and do some research.