News from Packwood House

“The Art of Crafts” Exhibit Opens, Featuring Mahantango Desk

Lewisburg, (Pa.)--Ever since Pennsylvania was settled, its residents have been industrious, inventive, and artistic. This creative exhibit honors the people of Central Pennsylvania who, over the past 200 years, have created works of art – some breathtaking to behold, others simple yet elegantly crafted.

The advent of the Industrial Revolution changed the small cottage manufactories. Many went out of business, unable to compete with large companies using interchangeable and machine-made parts. However, the inheritance of artistic crafts never completely died. The advent of the Arts and Crafts movement in the 1920s led to a renewed interest in the “old ways” of artistic crafting. A rising interest in historic preservation and living history led to a higher demand for reproductions of original objects.

Visitors to the Kelly Gallery will see a varied array of “then and now” – a selection of objects that represent the traditional art of craft as well as those of today’s talented craftspeople who are continuing the traditions of the region. Included in this fascinating presentation are stoneware and redware pottery, fraktur, Pennsylvania rifles, metal- and blacksmithing, quilts and coverlets, woodworking, clocks, and the fine art of animal-drawn vehicle building and restoration. There’s a miniature woodworking shop, crafted in exquisite detail by a master furniture designer and maker, a mannequin dressed as a Northumberland County militiaman of the Revolution, a blacksmith’s anvil and tools, and a rare Mahantango Valley desk.

“The Art of Crafts” opens to the public on Tuesday, June 15, and will close on Saturday, September 18. There is an admission fee charged. The Packwood House Museum is located at 15 North Water Street in Lewisburg and is open to the public Tuesdays – Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum itself is a historic 27-room house that contains the acclaimed collection of Edith and John Fetherston, who eagerly collected Central Pennsylvania decorative arts and furniture. Edith also adored East Asian art and amassed a first-class collection of it. Guided tours of the museum are available during regular business hours.

For more information about the museum, its programs, and exhibits, or if you are interested in volunteering at the museum, please visit www.packwoodhousemuseum.com or call 570-524-0323.

Packwood Releases Annual Report

LEWISBURG, (Pa.)--Packwood House Museum released their 2008-2009 Annual Report on January 6. This year the museum elected to change the fiscal year to match the calendar year, resulting in the report covering June 1, 2008, through December 31, 2009. View the report here. For a hard copy of the report, please call the museum at 570-524-0323.

Packwood Offers Antique Coverlet DVD By Mail

LEWISBURG, (Pa.) -- Packwood House Museum is now offering copies of their 2007 "Gotcha Covered! Nineteenth Century Coverlets" DVD by mail. Produced locally by McVicar Videography of Lewisburg, the DVD retails for $11 in the Museum Gift Shop. Those who would like a copy mailed to them should call the Museum at 570-524-0323 and provide their name, address, and credit card information. Shipping and handling is $2, and all Pennsylvania residents must pay 6% sales tax.