November 2008 E-Newsletter

Brick Store Museum Happenings

Exploring the Wonders of History

November 2008

In the span of just 5 days, 160 third graders came on field trips, and one little boy even told us that the museum was so "amazing" that he thought he'd like to live in it! A group of 7 homeschoolers made their first visit to the Museum. 8 college students from the University of New England spent time with our archivist to complete a class project. 9 youngsters embarked on our latest "Hands On History" program through the after-school initiative, Stretch Beyond. 10 different volunteers gave generously of their time to help us out with various projects. 50 people, including the local Girl Scout troop, crowded our galleries last weekend, when Nancy Marcotte shared her fabulous room boxes as part of "Living Little: The MINI Series." 40 members of our bridge marathon group gathered to play a round of cards. And 75 townspeople sang along with Monica Grabin last Saturday in a stirring performance honoring our nation's veterans.

Yes, last week was a blur. But it was also a time of thanksgiving--a happy reminder that the Museum is indeed a place that uniquely draws and fulfills us all, across so many ages and interests.

Sincerely,

The Brick Store Museum

History Showcase: Chronicling Commerce

The Museum is the steward of hundreds of photographs, documents, and artifacts that record our area's business heritage from the earliest days to the present. Commercial ephemera spanning the past 200 years is the subject of our newest History Showcase entitled, Chronicling Commerce.

Business cards, advertising pieces, brochures, products and packaging speak to the diversity of industries that have called the Kennebunks their headquarters. Come by and reminisce about Greene's Garage, the Unicorn & Lion, the Grist Mill, or Warren Coal. Reflect upon the goods made here over the years--from ships to textiles, and even beer and toothpaste--and marvel at some of our longest-standing businesses.

This installment of the History Showcase is made possible by the following proud Business Partners: Jeffrey A. Bonney, CFP®, Captain Lord Mansion, Ocean Bank, and Captain Jefferds Inn.

Living Little: Story Time!

With our ongoing Living Little miniatures exhibition as the backdrop, we'll be catering to our tiniest guests with "Living Little: Story Time." At each of three different sessions offered on Wednesdays, December 3, 10 and 17 at 10AM, children can gather in our galleries to listen to two charming storybooks, each with a dollhouse or museum theme.

Afterwards, toddlers will have a chance to explore the dollhouses--many of which will be newly decorated for the holidays--and to play "I Spy" in the exhibition. Some of the books featured will also be available for purchase, and young readers can take home dollhouse-themed booklists specially prepared by Kennebunk Free Library staff. FREE and fun for parents and tots, the story times serve as great introductions to the museum. Adult supervision is required.

"Living Little: Story Time" is made possible by a grant from the Virginia Hodgkins Somers Foundation. The exhibition itself remains on view through December 2008 and is sponsored by The Brick Store Museum's proud business partners, Jeffrey A. Bonney, CFP®, The Captain Lord Mansion, and Ocean Bank.

Decks the Halls with Museum's Wreath Auction

Wreath by Peg Brewitt of Meadow Weeds is one of many in 2008 Wreath Auction

This 3rd annual event is sure to get you into the spirit of the season. You'll find the perfect décor to keep or give as a gift, because area businesses, artists, and creative community members are donating incredible wreaths for a display and silent auction to benefit the Museum on Sunday, December 7th, from 1 to 4 PM.

Entries showcase considerable originality using both artificial and live greens. Ranging from fancy to folksy and traditional to trendy, decorations include dried herbs, shells, bottle caps, dog biscuits, mini lights, and even fly fishing lures! There are also wreaths garnished with gift certificates contributed by local merchants. . .an innovative and memorable treat for anyone on your holiday list!

Catch an online preview of the entries, and then come bid on them in person. Interested in donating a wreath of your own? Just contact the museum at 207-985-4802 or CLICK HERE for an entry form with all the details (PDF format, 411k).

Holiday Tea Time

Each year, different residents on Kennebunk's historic Summer Street graciously open their home for an afternoon to benefit the Museum for our annual Holiday Tea.

This year is no exception, and this year's event on Sunday, December 14th, from 3 to 5PM features the stately Captain Charles Thompson House. This is the first time the house has been showcased for the Museum's tea.

Grandparents, parents, and children are invited to enjoy a sumptuous holiday tea while learning a bit about tea, etiquette customs, and the history of this well-appointed, nineteenth-century shipmaster's home, which was later used for more than 60 years as the local Christian Science Center. Attendees will particularly delight in seeing the results of the home's recent year-long restoration, which seamlessly incorporated modern amenities into an historical setting. In their basement-to-attic renovations, the homeowners saved the original tin ceilings, flooring on the second story, and much of the vintage plaster trim and woodwork over the windows. Additional highlights are a stunning kitchen, French antiques, and bedazzling chandeliers in nearly every room.

Advance reservations are required by December 6 by calling the Museum at 207-985-4802 or by CLICKING HERE to download and print a registration form (PDF format, 41k). Tickets are $15 for adults; $7.50 for children; ($12 and $6 for Museum members). Children under 4 are admitted free. Upon registration, participants receive a confirmation card and directions to the home.

Made possible by a grant from The Virginia Hodgkins Somers Foundation.

Business Partner Thank-You

We're pleased to be welcoming back Tom's of Maine as a proud Business Partner and also want to take this space to extend a big thank-you to all 28 of our 2008 Business Partners. Our Business Partner Program has grown substantially in the past year, and we greatly value all that these businesses represent and have given to us. Take a moment to review the list, and the next time you're visiting them or see them around town, thank them for supporting our mission and year-round operations.

The Brick Store Museum is located at 117 Main Street in the heart of Kennebunk's National Register Historic District. For more than 70 years, the Museum has been dedicated to preserving the Kennebunks' rich cultural and artistic heritage. Its galleries and research archives are open year-round (closed holidays), Tuesdays-Fridays, 10-4:30 and Saturdays, 10-1. Admission is by donation; suggested $5/person. For more information, check us out at www.brickstoremuseum.org, or give us a call at 207.985.4802.

In This Issue

Chronicling Commerce

Calling all Toddlers

Deck the Halls!

Holiday Tea Time

Thanking Local Businesses

Inside Spotlight

These Financial Times

by David Moravick, Museum Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee

David Moravick

The Brick Store Museum's Finance Committee has been meeting monthly to track the Museum's finances and to plot its financial future. With all that's been happening on Wall Street as of late, one of our recent meetings focused on reviewing the Museum's endowment investments, which are professionally managed at H. M. Payson & Company.

The investment philosophy of selecting quality companies with strong balance sheets is paying "dividends." Although the value per share has dropped, the income the stocks are generating increased. The Museum's endowment portfolio is well positioned for the future.