Main Street Museum facts for kids
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| Established | December, 1992 (built before 1893) |
|---|---|
| Location | 58 Bridge Street, White River Junction, Vermont, United States |
| Visitors | Approximately, 2000/year |
| Public transit access | Amtrak, bicycle |
| Governance | Beneficent Committee/Non-profit, 501c03 |
The Main Street Museum is a special museum and event place in White River Junction, Vermont. It is designed to feel like an old-fashioned "cabinet of curiosities" from the 1700s or 1800s. The museum shows off many unusual and interesting items.
You can find things like tiny shoes, old keys, and even hair from former presidents here. It's also a place where different events happen. These include concerts, poetry readings, and art shows by local artists. The museum's website calls it a "repository of artifacts and a public performance space."
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What is the Main Street Museum?
The Main Street Museum was started in 1992. It was founded by an artist named David Fairbanks Ford. The museum is located in White River Junction's old fire station. This building is on Bridge Street, right next to the railroad underpass. It sits on the banks of the White River.
Unique Collections at the Museum
The museum has many different kinds of items. Its collections might seem a bit random, but they are very interesting. You can see taxidermy (stuffed animals) and miniature shoes. There are also keys that Ford himself collected.
Other unique items include hair clippings from former presidents. You can even find dirt from outside Charles Lindbergh's house. Many of these items came from the attics of Ford's own family members.
The Player Piano
One of the museum's most popular attractions is a working 1930 Æolean Stroud Pianola. This special piano was given to the museum during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The museum often holds performances using this pianola. They have a huge collection of 10,000 music rolls for it to play.
Events and Performances
The museum is also a popular place for events. It hosts concerts and even weddings. They also show science fiction films. Local artists, including high school students, can display their artwork here.
History of the Museum
The museum faced some challenges over the years. In 2011, Hurricane Irene caused a lot of damage to the building.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, the museum did not earn any money from visitors. It had to rely on a grant from the Vermont Arts Council. This help kept the museum from closing down. After the pandemic, the museum started opening by appointment only. It also opens when it hosts special events.
