Director's Message

Fall 2004

Another very busy summer is coming to a close here at the Museum!

The first of three Metals Conservation Summer Institutes started this June. The program brought together metal conservators, metallurgists and archeologists from around the world for a two-week, hands-on learning experience. We partnered with Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Metals Processing Institute to create this international program that was supported with a National Leadership grant from the IMLS.

In July we were honored to have world-renowned arms and armor specialist Ian Eaves at the Museum for two weeks to work with Jeffrey Forgeng (the Paul S. Morgan Curator). Amazingly, while exploring our collections, Ian discovered a cuirass (breast- and back-plate) that may have belonged to the Emperor Charles V! Once on display as a portion of a composite suit of armor, this discovery adds to the importance of the Museum’s collections.

Coming up in September we have the Festival of Ale. Expanded this year due to overwhelming attendance last year, the festival will now be held in the Great Hall from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include demonstrations by brewers, opportunities to taste local brews, a raffle and much more! Hope to see you there!

Kent dur Russell
Executive Director