In the town of Salem

[fbhjr]

In what I regard as a miracle, both Ben and Gabriele got up on their own, cleaned and dressed before 8AM!
So, I took them out to breakfast as my wife got ready.
Then, we swung by and picked her up.


One of the themes this week seems to be detours. As with New Hampshire the other day, we got detoured going to Salem.


Ben had specifically asked to go to the Witch Museum in Salem.

I really can’t get across how much I hate that museum.
My family left Salem 20 years before the witch trials and founded a different town here in this state. I regard that as one of the best decisions ever.
The last time I went to this museum was 40 years ago. It hasn’t changed much. The main exhibit is exactly the same. The secondary one is new, but just as bad.
It’s horrible.
And, no photos. Just as well.

We did wait to go in under a list of the folks involved. Gabriele seemed very happy her brother Ben’s name was on there, but her’s was not.


Then we headed off to a much better museum, the Peabody Essex Museum.


Gabriele wanted to see the house moved over from China. We had to wait to go in, so we saw the new exhibit on Native Americans.


I really liked this with three centuries of masks.



Gabriele went for the books! Yay Gabriele!


Ben did his best to look sophisticated.

But, I took him over to a more interactive area.


He liked "build a bird".


No photos in the house from China. Gabriele is studying Chinese so enjoyed reading the printed material there.
She also did her best to read the giant bell.


My wife wanted to "try" this hat on.


Lots of discussion went on over the many ivory artifacts.


They did seem to like many of the things.


Ben seemed to really like the few things he was allowed to touch.


We did explore all three floors.


Some people were amazed at the collection.


I liked this.


But, not everyone was so impressed.


Folks did seem to have a good time.


Then, we went off to lunch at a small place we know near there.


That seemed to meet with everyone’s approval as well.


This week our favorite Japanese place opened after 8 months closed for repairs.
So, we went there for dinner.


The chef said it was his first day back. But, he did quite well.

The manager had an apron on and was working in the kitchen. He brought out several people’s meals for them.
I have a lot of respect for managers who do that sort of thing when needed.

Then, home and some video games.


Tomorrow and Sunday the Silver Kindom’s faire.
I hope all goes well!

Comments

[merilune.livejournal.com]

Witch museum? That is so cool. I like the bamboo roots as well... impressive!

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

It sounds more cool than it is.
The reality is a bad wax museum that hasn't changed in more than 40 years with some pretty heavy handed "messages". Most of which are "it was all those girl's fault!"
The new second one has the message of "we're really not bad witches and you should come join us and see."
While I'm glad they have a message of tolerance, I think they should have toned down some of the first rather than just have that as the end.

[merilune.livejournal.com]

It sounds like the person in charge might have been a bit biased and slapped that message on and the end.

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

There are a fair number of Wicca in this area. I'm sure they were part of the new exhibit. But, I wish they had changed the first as well.

[endlessblush.livejournal.com]

That's disappointing about the museum :(

[morgan-lafaye.livejournal.com]

There are other museums about the witch history of Salem that are better than "THE WITCH MUSEUM". They are newer. There is one that has a mick up of the cells the poor souls were held in, that really drills home how desperate their situation was. there is also a wonderful PBS movie that is now on DVD, Three Sovereigns for Sarah, ( I think that is the right title) With Vanessa Redgrave. Very well done.

[morgan-lafaye.livejournal.com]

The carved root was very cool.I am very proud of the two of you, to go to Salem so the kids got see stuff. I know how very much you hate that town.
Glad to hear Oska's is open again.

[postingwhore.livejournal.com]

I can't imagine a museum not changing their main exhibit after 40 years...that's just a mark of poor management, imo.

[chaquir.livejournal.com]

it's always fun to see how you turn the pictures into a story :o)

[meathiel]

Huh ... problems with Salem?

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

There are no major roads that lead there, so it is difficult to get in and out.
Many of the things there cater to tourists interested in haunted houses and things.
Not my kind of thing.

[palusbuteo.livejournal.com]

Which museum? Oh that Witch Museum.

Yeah, I've never been in there and have no desire to go in.

Knowing from others who have and that it hasn't changed in 40 years. and no photos allowed, I can guess
why.

But, the director of that museum is also now apparently responsible for Pioneer Village, and the Trayned Band likes/wants to
do events there since it is our time period. But communications have always been lousy, even when it was
run by Gordon College, etc etc. And scheduling is a juggle between historical people like us and "Witch Tours" and Ghost Tours.
*eye roll*

Anyway, Yay for Osaka reopening.

[hindustar.livejournal.com]

Awww, more good times! I am sorry the witch museum is awful for you.

[thistle-chaser.livejournal.com]

Sophisticated Ben made for a very cute picture! :D