Archivist Dr. Orson Kingsley will be the guest speaker at the Middletown Springs Historical Society's Annual Museum Open House on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. His presentation, What's the Story: Archives Shed Light on Museum Collections, will be followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum's collection and archives.
Many New England historical societies are filled with fascinating artifacts, often used to create museum exhibits. Unfortunately, according to Kingsley, these artifacts with brief descriptions only tell part of the story. As an archivist with a museum background, Kingsley offers his perspective on curating exhibits that tell a full and more compelling story by interweaving artifact collections with archival materials that document history.
Kingsley, a native of Whitehall, N.Y., has been the Head of Archives & Special Collections at Bridgewater (MA) State University since 2011. Prior to this he was the Assistant Director at the Slate Valley Museum, Granville, N.Y, after working there as Collections Manager. He began his career as the Archivist at the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History in Middlebury.
In addition to this year's presentation and behind-the-scenes tour, visitors can view the museum's exhibits, including this season's exhibit, Fancy Goods: Hats and Fashion Accessories, 1850-1950. The Museum Open House is free, and refreshments will be provided.
The Annual Museum Open House at the Middletown Springs Historical Society offers visitors the opportunity to understand what the Society collects and how the all-volunteer organization cares for and interprets the collection. Anyone interested in serving on the Collections Care Committee can contact Collections Manager Mary Lou Willits at 802-235-2376.
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