NEW EXHIBIT

Date: 1/13/2010

Jan. 13, 2010.

HOLYOKE -- Although workmen were busy installing the shelving in the second floor archives of the Carriage House of the Wistariahurst Museum on Friday morning, work had been completed on the first floor on a new permanent exhibit about recreation and cultural life in the city.

The Carriage House will have its official grand re-opening from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 23 and 24.

Melissa Boiselle, the museum's executive director, explained the exhibit on recreation was part of the "Creating Holyoke" tourism project. This collaborative effort also features an exhibit on children and family life at the Children's Museum of Holyoke, and on industry at the Holyoke Heritage State Park.

The exhibit at the Carriage House includes artifacts from the Victory Theater and Mountain Park as well as the well-known "Frog Circus," a fixture at the museum for many years.

The Carriage House also has a community room for workshops and programs, a small theater area and a gift shop featuring books on Holyoke history, postcards and other items.

The Carriage House will be open during regular museum hours from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday.