Wistariahurst to host Victorian craft sessions

Date: 2/11/2009

HOLYOKE During February break, Wistariahurst will be having an exciting week of Victorian crafts. Each day of the week will feature a different project. Children and adults will have the opportunity to create everything from fans to secret diaries, and will leave everyday with a finished product. In the process they will learn about the Victorian era and the society that lived during it. Each sessions will run from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Admission is $5 per person for each session.

On Feb. 17, participants will create Victorian Fans, which were a necessary part of every woman's attire. On this day, the participants will decorate and learn the language of the Victorian fan.

On Feb. 18, participants will make Victorian Hatboxes. The ranged from the very elaborate, covered with everything from ribbons and flowers, to small animals. On this day, participants will have a chance to decorate their own version of a Victorian hatbox.

On Feb. 19, participants will construct Secret Diaries. Diaries and journals are one of the many ways that historians have learned so much about the Victorian era.

On Feb. 20, participants will construct Victorian Bookmarks. Bookmarks were originally made from silk and were intricately embroidered. On this day, children and adults will be able to build their own bookmark and decorate it with pictures, ribbons, and drawings.

Wistariahurst Museum is dedicated to preserving Holyoke's history and inspiring an appreciation of history and culture through educational programs exhibits, and special events. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Wistariahurst is the former home of William Skinner, a prominent silk manufacturer. The museum is open for guided tours every Saturday, Sunday and Monday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information or a schedule of other upcoming events, visit www.wistariahurst.org or call 322-5660.