With Easter approaching, thoughts naturally turn to children toting colorful baskets filled with equally vivid dyed eggs. But with the coronavirus threatening to put public gatherings like Easter egg hunts on hold, I thought this might present an opportunity to talk about another type of basket formerly found in Valley households: key baskets.
by Curator of Collections Nick Powers
In honor of International Day of Happiness, I thought it would be a great idea to celebrate some research that I found that supported visiting museums makes people happier.
By Director of Education Mary Ladrick
When I planned this blog it was with the intention that this would entice you, dear reader, to come visit the MSV with renewed interest and passion. Little did I know that there would be a pandemic that would require a temporary closure of the MSV.
In March the greenhouse is a warm puddle of sunlight.
By Horticulturist Chantal Ludder
The smaller section is full of pots with seeds planted but not yet germinated, and large trays full of the tiniest handfuls of green. The larger, cooler half is already crowded with the pansies destined for the spring display in the Parterre garden.
Women are stepping into the spotlight at American museums like never before.
By Curator of Collections Nick Powers
In 1776, Abigail Adams wrote to her husband John, “Remember the ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors.” This year, the 10th Annual Heritage Day at the MSV will help you remember and research “the ladies.”
By Sally Meyer Adult Programs Manager
Powell W. Gibson (1875-1959) is best remembered in Shenandoah Valley history as the principal of the segregated Douglas School in Winchester for a quarter of its nearly century-long history.
by Curator of Collections Nick Powers
Later this month, Winchester historian Judy Humbert will share some of her recollections of the Douglas School that Gibson helped build in the second of the MSV’s new Lunch & Learn series.
Winter gives gardeners some time to think. We become green thumb philosophers. Here are some random thoughts:
By: Deputy Director, Museum Operations and Gardens Perry Mathewes
Hellebores are one of the few winter-flowering plants we have in the garden.
"We do not forget each other even after school days are over."
By Adult Programs Manager Sally Meyer
Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley boast schools and universities with a national reputation for producing scholars and productive members of their community (and I’m not just saying that because many of the MSV staff graduated from high school or college in the Valley).
The flip of the calendar from December to January marks the first of three Leap Years that will occur this decade. While Leap Year only occurs only every four years, it never fails to leave its mark on the popular culture of the time.
By: Curator of Collections Nick Powers
Gardeners don’t like squirrels, for the most part. Yet here we are, on the eve of Squirrel Appreciation Day, trying to muster, at best, lukewarm feelings for the furry little fauna.
By: Horticulturist Chantal Ludder
