Lindisfarne

I think this time of year encourages introspection, as one considers the events, accomplishments, and disappointments of the previous twelve months. This December those feelings have been magnified by the loss of my aunt, who was so much more to me than the designation implies. My earliest memories are of her arriving --- from planes, trains, ships---always vivacious, stylish, laughing. From her I learned about Turner at the Tate, Degas at the Met, and the charm of American primitives in the Sears collection at Fruitlands. She was adamant that one wore proper attire for riding, and made sure I kept my heels down and back straight. She taught me horsemanship was about more than staying in the saddle. Although she traveled extensively, she especially loved England. For as far back as I can recall, I wanted to be just like her, and so I studied art, visited museums, memorized long passages of Shakespeare and developed an early affinity for all things British. I assume that’s the reason I chose to do my 7^th grade research project on the Lindisfarne Gospels. That and the fact I was kind of a nerdy kid. I loved illuminated manuscripts – no, seriously. A highlight of my teens was seeing the Book of Kells.

Fast forward to a few years ago, when I was driving south from Edinburgh on the A1. A small sign on a country road read “Lindisfarne.” I peeled off to the left, inspiring my husband to utter a few phrases destined to enhance our six year olds vocabulary.

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a tidal island, connected to the mainland by a causeway. Twice each day the tides from the North Sea sweep in and cover the road, and the drive to the village is hauntingly beautiful. We watched a group of riders unload their horses and take off across the wet sand. I longed to join them.

The Lindisfarne Heritage Center is an excellent way to begin one’s visit. Although the Gospels reside in the British Library, visitors to the island can experience the manuscript by viewing either the facsimile edition, or by “turning the pages” of the electronic version. Another exhibit features the life on the island – its people, its plant and wildlife, and climate. The visitor then exits to the grounds of the Priory ruins, built by the Benedictines in the 11^th century, believed to be in the vicinity of the 7^th century Irish abbey. On the day of our visit, a local theater group was performing “The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe” among the ruins. The nearby Parish Church shows traces of both 7^th century and Saxon influences.

Sited on a volcanic mound called Beblowe Craig, Lindisfarne Castle rises above the rest of the island. Built from the stone of the Priory, following the 1550 destruction of abbeys by Henry VIII, it was intended as a defense against Scotland. Purchased from the Crown in 1901, it was converted to a country home by the architect Sir Edward Lutyens. The gardens were designed by Gertrude Jekyll. We were not able to visit the castle on that trip, our plans dictated by the tides. Yet another reason to return.

Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art

A friend who creates and collects dolls was eager to visit the Whyel Museum, and I thought it would be an interesting way to spend an hour or so. Three hours later I had to be dragged from the museum at closing time. Located in Bellevue, Washington, this collection of dolls, toys, and childhood memorabilia is fabulous and well worth the twenty minute drive from Seattle. With dolls dating from the 17^th century until modern times, the collection provides snippets into the lives of children in different eras and different cultures. The building was designed specifically for this purpose, and provides an attractive and functional showcase for the fascinating collection of over 3000 objects, assembled by one woman. The museum will interest children aged eight and over.

Edward Gorey House

The artist, author, designer and illustrator Edward Gorey was a familiar presence on Cape Cod, living and working in a house across from the common in Yarmouthport, MA. His whimsical drawings and offbeat humor are synonymous with PBS’s Mystery, but this intimate museum displays Gorey’s his art, stage and costume designs, production photographs, memorabilia (including his signature raccoon coat) and his many books. Best visited on a dark and stormy night! The gift shop is a treat for all Gorey enthusiasts.

Raising the Bar

A few weeks ago I attended another library conference –I’ve lost track of how many there have been through the years – but as I sipped my wine at the Billings Farm Museum, I thought about the number of museum venues that have hosted these events. I’ve enjoyed canapes with dinosaurs (New Haven CT), cable cars (San Francisco), Native American art (Portland OR), pueblos (NM), mummies (Chicago), Jimi Hendrix (Cleveland), and watched the constellations over Glasgow from the comfortable seats of the ScottishPower Planetarium while enjoying a very nice single malt.

Financial necessity has led many museums and historical properties to rent their facilities for events ranging from corporate receptions, scout troop sleepovers and weddings. While these are potentially lucrative, significant risks are associated with hosting special events. The Jewish Museum in N.Y. noticed a Marc Chagall was missing after a cocktail party for singles. A glass sculpture was broken during a party at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. A museum that often hosted overnight events for children had unknowingly hired a convicted sex offender for the maintenance crew.

Is it worth the risk? I think the answer depends on the kind of space the museum can allocate. If the exhibits are in cases, or otherwise protected, then the museum not only gains revenue but reaches a new audience as well. What do you think?

Billings Farm Museum

This family friendly museum in Woodstock, VT, welcomes visitors to the Vermont of 1890. Consisting of a working dairy farm, farmhouse, and a large exhibit space housing farm equipment, artifacts, oral histories and photographs, the museum depicts family life on a busy farm.

The Billings Farm was established in 1871 by Frederick Billings, a native Vermonter who became known for his work as a conservationist and a pioneer of reforestation and scientific farm management. His 270 acre dairy farm became a model, and continues today with a prize winning herd of Jerseys. Now one of the country's premier agricultural museums, visitors can experience 19th-century life on a Vermont farm. The 1890 Victorian-style farmhouse, with its creamery and ice house, has been restored. Children will enjoy watching the afternoon milking of the cows and the seasonal wagon rides.

What surprised me most was learning that during the late 19th century, the surrounding land was almost completely devoid of trees due to lumbering. This museum was a great discovery.

Plan to leave time to visit the adjacent Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historic Park. Operated by the National Park Service, the museum tells the story of land stewardship and conservation. I visited mid-week, and was fortunate enough to have a private tour by a knowledgeable and enthusiastic park ranger. In addition to the house, the property features gardens, and beautiful grounds. Follow the carriage roads up to the Pogue, a beautiful mountain pond, and you may be rewarded with a glimpse of wild life.