Have you ever walked into a museum and wanted to be able to handle or touch the artifacts? Sometimes, when everything is behind glass or in an exhibit case, it can be hard to connect with history in a meaningful way.

This week, we were excited to be able to send four items from our museum collection to Amesbury Middle School’s 8th grade Civics class, to do exactly that - handle history in our Hands on History program.

All four artifacts are no longer used in modern daily life, and give students a chance to touch real items from the past. They get a chance to handle a niddy noddy, a carriage wrench, a timber slick, and a pair of hand cards in order to learn about labor tools of the past.

Students can see a video of each item in action and also see historic artwork that has the items in them.

Can you spot the timber slick in the painting?

This type of programming is possible with the help of our generous Program Sponsors. Program sponsorship is one of the best ways to directly support ACM, and know that your contribution is getting history into the hands of the next generation.

This season, we are aiming to raise $30,000 to support our 2023 programs. We have several new and fun fundraising events planned, but our efforts would go even further with your help as a 2023 Program Sponsor.

Program Sponsors are recognized regularly on our website, in our newsletters, on IHC signage, during in-person events, in our Annual Report, and more. With your support as a Program Sponsor, we are sure to achieve our fundraising goal, and to inspire and delight with our community programming.

If you are interested in joining us as a 2023 Program Sponsor, please reach out to me at kdaniell@amesburycarriagemuseum.org or call 978-834-5058.

Most sincerely,
Kelly Daniell
Executive Director