With former President George H. W. Bush's 85th birthday on June 12, 2009, comes an opportunity to reflect upon what he has meant to the Kennebunks, as well as what the Kennebunks--so often referred to as his "anchor to windward"--have meant to him. The Brick Store Museum unveils Happy Birthday, "41"! as its newest "History Showcase" display beginning today and continuing throughout the summer.

 

President Bush has frequently stated that he has returned to the Kennebunks every year but one, when he was serving in WWII. While the world has come to know George H. W. Bush as congressman, ambassador, Director of the CIA, Vice President, and 41st President of the United States, to many locals he is the neighbor, friend, golf or fishing companion affectionately known simply as "41."  This commemorative display draws primarily from the Museum's Bradbury and Kippax collections, replete with memorabilia telling not so much the national story as the story of the Bushes' unique Maine connection. Personal snapshots, thank-you notes, Kennebunkport souvenirs, local headlines, campaign buttons, and invitations to area events juxtapose statesman Bush with citizen Bush and illustrate the intersection of the international political stage with the village green. The iconic home on Walker's Point that served as the "Summer White House" and backdrop to so many news anchors' reports is also a retreat, a gathering place where the Bushes reconnect with family and friends, relive memories and create new ones.

 

This birthday salute includes a giant card upon which visitors can pen their greetings, which will be presented to the President later this summer. In addition, the display encourages locals to document their own recollections of the President, First Family, press corps, and Secret Service over the years. These anecdotes will be added to the Museum's archival collections chronicling the President's enduring presence in the community.

History Showcases are made possible by the following proud business partners: Ocean Bank, Captain Jefferds Inn, Captain Lord Mansion, and Kennebunk Savings Bank.

Fifteen colorful, intricate fabric masterpieces make up the Brick Store Museum's newest exhibition, Quilts from the Collections of the Brick Store Museum.  Opening on June 20 and on view throughout 2009, this exhibition will delight and intrigue quilters, historians, children, and anyone with a family heirloom quilt on their bed or in their attic.    
 
The quilts on display represent a carefully chosen sampling from the Brick Store Museum's extensive quilt collection.  Selected for their workmanship, beauty, functionality, and diversity, the quilts offer a stunning overview of historic quilting.  Four "crazy quilts" showcase fine fabrics and embroidery work of the Victorian era, while an impressive "Log Cabin" quilt illustrates the quilter's artistic use of a light/dark color palette.  An unfinished "Grandmother's Flower Garden" quilt top offers contemporary eyes a peek at paper patterns and temporary stitches put in place nearly 150 years ago.  Two rousingly patriotic Civil War quilts bear special historical significance, illustrating the involvement of Maine Ladies Aid Societies in the war effort. 
 
As a whole, Quilts offers an unique glimpse of the nearly endless artistic and functional possibilities of quilting.  These textile works of art were intended for practical use, and many show the signs of years of loving wear.  This wear-and-tear only adds to their beauty, showing how women for centuries have used the functionality of quilting as an outlet for artistic design.  Visitors to this exhibition will undoubtedly come away with an appreciation for the practicality and artistry of quilting, as shown in these warming works of art from the past two centuries.
 
In addition to admiring the stunning quilts, visitors can also learn about a variety of quilt designs and stitches.  Fun for adults and children alike, exhibition-goers can piece together a magnetic "Star of Bethlehem" quilt and learn four decorative stitches used in crazy quilts. Additionally, quilt collectors and family historians can learn the proper techniques in caring for antique quilts, preserving them for generations to come.