The Literary Gardener
Take A Peek 2008 Season

The OSV Research Library collection includes fine examples of the books and periodicals that inspired and educated 1800s gardeners. Some of the published images of the early 19th century depict flowers and herbs. Join Research Historian Christie Higginbottom to learn how garden advice literature, seed and nursery catalogues, and medical herbals inform our Village gardens and document the living plant collection.

A program for Members; think about joining today!
Group limit of 10, advanced registration required.
$25.00 per person, please call 508-347-0205 or register online. Ask about our Series discount!

Faces of the Past
Take a Peek 2008 Season

Who were these people? What can we learn from their portraits? Join eminent historian Jack Larkin as he discusses the OSV portrait collection, which includes portraits by significant artists of the 19th century as well as everyday pieces created by less-established “limners.” Jack will also discuss how these portraits serve as important references for everything from period hair styles to painted chairs here at OSV.

A program for Members; think about joining today!
Group limit of 10, advanced registration required.
$25.00 per person, please call 508-347-0205 or register online. Ask about our Series discount!

Purls from the Collection
Take a Peek 2008 Season

Join textile specialist Jean Contino as she presents and discusses a variety of 19th century knitted items, from functional mittens to elegant stockings with lace inserts. Discover how these original pieces are used as the basis for the reproduction knitted clothing worn in the Village. Inspired by the recent donation of a beautiful knitted coverlet, Jean will also discuss the popularity and use of traditional patterns through the decades.

A program for Members; think about joining today!
Group limit of 10, advanced registration required.
$25.00 per person, please call 508-347-0205 or register online. Ask about our Series discount!

Paint, Pattern, Texture and Form - both Plain and Fancy
Take a Peek 2008 Season

Take a closer look at some of the richly patterned and painted artifacts in OSV's collection. Lively painted finishes decorate a wide range of goods used in the New England home. Discover why the nineteenth century in America is labeled the "Century of the Amateur Artist." Marylou Davis is a consultant in historic design and a conservator of painted and gilded surfaces. As principal of a private practice for 23 years, she is an adjunct instructor at the Boston Architectural College and speaks and teaches widely on the topic of historic American interior design and decorative surfaces.

A program for Members; think about joining today!
Group limit of 10, advanced registration required.
$25.00 per person, please call 508-347-0205 or register online. Ask about our Series discount!

Food Fads
Take a Peek 2008 Season

What is a tin kitchen? How did you adjust the heat?
Historic food expert and lead interpreter Ryan Beckman will lead a cookery tour of collections, presenting and discussing the kitchen tools, utensils, and gadgets found in most 19th century kitchens. Examine the models for many of the items you have seen in use here at OSV, such as pudding bowls, tin kitchens, wafer irons, and spiders.

A program for Members; think about joining today!
Group limit of 10, advanced registration required.
$25.00 per person, please call 508-347-0205 or register online. Ask about our Series discount!

Archeology in New England and at OSV
Take a Peek 2008 Season

Did you ever find a piece of broken pottery and wonder how old it was, or wonder what an old cellar hole could tell you about the past? Join us for a special archeology Take a Peek when Ed Hood, presents artifacts from the archeology collection and discusses their discovery, interpretation, and how they help us create historic exhibits here at OSV. Ed will also present and discuss slides of important archeology sites in Western Massachusetts, and their significance to OSV.

A program for Members; think about joining today!
Group limit of 10, advanced registration required.
$25.00 per person, please call 508-347-0205 or register online. Ask about our Series discount!