SUMMER
The song says, “Summer time and the living is easy.” In the museum world, activity changes too. School groups have come and gone, as have the Denison students. Now the doors open to visitors who, for the most part, are on holiday, visiting the picturesque “New England” Village set in the Midwest. Part of their relaxation is visiting historic homes, or studying early material culture, or renewing their spirits in a garden. Robbins Hunter Museum is ready to meet those wishes and a whole lot more!
Daily, our docents are prepared to talk about the significance of the Greek revival architecture of the Avery-Downer House, its collection of 19th century furniture and art, and to tell the stories of those who lived here. Docents have prepared the house for its summer interpretation: a croquet set by the door in the Ladies’ Parlor, netting covering the gold leaf mirror to protect from fly specks, and a slipcover over the velvet upholstery, all give an impression of the family’s day-to-day life during summer months. As a bonus, the Victoria Woodhull Clock Tower entertains hourly and her story is heard (mostly for the first time) by surprised audiences. Our special exhibit, “Ordinary & Extraordinary: Victorian Undergarments 1860-1880,” that shows the wardrobe of a typical Granville woman, continues through the end of the year.
This summer marks our inaugural concert season in the Dale and Tina Knobel Folly. On the second Sunday of each month, professional musicians will perform at 4 p.m. On June 9, UCelli, a group of four virtuoso opened the season to an appreciative audience. The series continues with Bel Aurora featuring the Newark-Granville Symphony string quintet on July 14 and a Brass Extravaganza with NGSO brass quintet on August 11. All performances are FREE, thanks to support from the Granville Community Foundation. They will be followed by a reception in the museum. To make a reservation for the reception, go to www.robbinshunter.org. or call 740-587-0430.
So make a visit to the Robbins Hunter Museum part of your “summer time” plans. You will be glad you did!