An Organized Piano Restored

March 3, 2014

A new blog launching March 3 follows the restorative conservation of a rare survival: an organized piano. A piano combined with a pipe organ, this unique instrument towered at nine feet tall and seven feet wide.

Its restoration raises questions at every step. Repairing a broken element could mean erasing a piece of the object’s history. Conservator John Watson prepares to meet the challenges publicly in the Organized Piano blog, where he’ll search for the best balance of repair and conservation.

Threads of Feeling

May 6, 2013

London’s foundling children were orphans in the midst of a crowded city. The exhibit Threads of Feeling tells their stories, as well as those of their mothers.

Painters and Paintings of the Early American South

March 18, 2013

Painters and Paintings of the Early American South is a new exhibit focusing on the interrelatedness of Southern artists and subjects. See it at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.

Changing Keys

February 25, 2013

A 130-year span of keyboard instruments documents a revolution in colonists’ musical tastes. See the progression in “Changing Keys,” a new exhibit at the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg. Curator John Watson describes the outlay.

Making a 200-year-old supper

February 4, 2013

Setting the table for a 200-year old dinner takes research and clever re-creation. Antique plates and platters bear historic foods in dining settings that reflect the season and the host. Curator Amanda Keller works with a team from the museums to lay out authentic feasts.

A Very British Revolution

August 6, 2012

The American Revolution came from an old British tradition. Hear how the English were in the habit of rebelling in “A Very British Revolution,” a tour at The Colonial Williamsburg Art Museums led by Emma Ross.

Fire in a Crowded Century

March 12, 2012

Old-fashioned fire engines had to do much the same jobs as today’s, but they relied on classic physics and plenty of manpower. Curator Erik Goldstein describes the fire engine at the center of a new exhibit at the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.

Conservation, Where Art and Science Meet

April 5, 2010

Museum conservators wage daily battle against 10 agents of decay. Exhibit Curator Emily Williams outlines the plan of attack in “Conservation, Where Art and Science Meet.”

New in the Collection

March 15, 2010

Objects rare and poignant joined the Colonial Williamsburg museum collections in 2009. Chief Curator and Vice President for Collections, Conservation and Museums Ron Hurst describes the finds.

Migrating Cultures

May 25, 2009

Foreign tools and family treasures came to America like stowaways in immigrants’ baggage. Trish Balderson retraces migration’s story through museum objects.

Mourning Art

January 26, 2009

Tangible expressions of grief keep lost loved ones close. Curator Kim Ivey explains the customs of mourning art.

The Carolina Room

November 24, 2008

Modern-day curators focus on reversible restoration techniques. Conservator Shelley Svoboda describes the renewal of the Carolina Room.

Captured Colors

August 11, 2008

Four flags survive through battle and time against equally long odds. Curator Erik Goldstein talks about a compelling new exhibit at the Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.

Fakes and Forgeries

April 14, 2008

Fakes and phonies are stopped with a squint. Curator John Davis discusses the subtleties of form.

A Rarity Restored

March 10, 2008

Two artists collaborate across the centuries: one working with a brush, and the other with a micro spatula. Curator Barbara Luck and conservator Pam Young describe the restoration of a rare watercolor.

Treasure Keepers

March 3, 2008

Good as new isn’t always as good as old. Curator John Watson talks about conservation at Colonial Williamsburg.

Mythical Beasts, Magical Creatures

January 28, 2008

Dragons, mermaids and griffins lurk in the museum collections. Christina Westenberger leads the hunt.

Pounds, Pence, and Pistareens

January 15, 2007

Curator Erik Goldstein describes the antecedents of modern coinage in a new exhibit at the DeWitt Wallace Museum.

Museum Renovation

January 8, 2007

Vice President of Collections and Museums Ron Hurst says refreshed exhibits and gallery spaces make two of Colonial Williamsburg’s museums warm, welcoming, and inviting.

Curator of Historic Interiors

December 19, 2005

Curator Emily Roberts enjoys setting a proper Christmas supper for 10 in the Palace.

Making Museum Exhibits Come Alive

October 24, 2005

Christina Westenberger discusses creative museum programs for children, school groups, and families.