The Joy & Wonder of Miniatures
*The event has already taken place on this date: Sun, 07/14/2024
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The exhibit features over a hundred items that are of interest to everyone and of all ages, including miniature cars, trains, and planes, toy soldiers, doll houses and furnishings, antique wooden carriages, stagecoaches, porcelains, souvenirs of popular landmarks, miniature portraits, books, dioramas of Civil War scenes, a range of salesman’s samples, everyday objects and tools crafted from scrap metal, and much more.
Miniatures have an allure that appeals to everyone and just looking at them sparks curiosity and delight for each tiny detail and the skill and precision it took to make it. Each is a piece of art and tells the story of our culture.
Miniatures are not necessarily tiny, although many of them are. Miniatures are not about size, but rather about the scale. A miniature is a smaller version of the normal size object, but replicated in perfect detail. The exhibit includes the tiniest 1/4 inch objects, such as books that actually can be read and complete with illustrations inside, but it also includes a few 4 foot miniatures, such as a custom-built working Ferris Wheel that is modeled after the 264-foot one that was at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair.
Two of Hearthside’s former owners were miniature collectors and some of their antique items are part of the exhibit. The Talbot family, who lived at the stone mansion from 1904-1926, collected many miniature family heirlooms. The family had donated their miniatures to the RISD Museum when they moved out of Hearthside in 1926. That collection ironically was donated back by RISD to Hearthside a few years ago, unbeknownst that these items came from here originally.
Additionally, Hearthside’s last owner was Andrew Mowbray, a collector of antiques. His collection of toy soldiers was considered among the largest in the country at one time. Mowbray was also known for his ownership of Rolls-Royce’s. He had a custom miniature model built of the 1922 Rolls that he drove in the film, The Great Gatsby. That model is on display along with a Rolls Royce pedal car, the same model as the one purchased by Princess Diana for Prince Harry when he was child.
Throughout the openings, there will be a hands-on opportunity for all ages to make a miniature book as part of the outdoor activity. Visitors are also invited to participate in a Scavenger Hunt for specific miniatures in the exhibit and to search out the fairy house on the grounds.
The exhibit and activities run from 11 am-3:30 pm. on select weekend dates, which are listed on the website. Tickets may be purchased in advance through the website.
Hearthside was built in 1810 and is considered the jewel of the Great Road Historic District in Lincoln. It is managed by a volunteer organization, the Friends of Hearthside. All proceeds benefit the continued restoration of this irreplaceable historic site.
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.