Thanks for Viewing!

In one object, made and collected in the sleepy town of Middlebury, there are three (and perhaps many more) distinct, colorful stories that can be gleaned.  To Henry Sheldon, it was amazing that an object could be this rich in wonder and history. The Sheldon Museum, though quirky, was an enlightened establishment that was a comprehensive representation of the time period. Sheldon was able to touch on the ivory trade, slave trade, the history of settling the United States of America as well as global discoveries and history in a small brick building in Middlebury, Vermont. What’s interesting is that this kind of museum is unique to the time period and is no longer the norm. The fields of study have evolved from the 19th century. We have well established separate history, science and art museums these days where viewers can focus in deep on a subject. However, the museum experience has not been the same since studies have split off from the comprehensive Natural Philosophy and curiosities to separate categories of studies. Seeing how different stories overlap may be confusing and feel overwhelming, but it is a valuable experience that has unfortunately fallen out of style. Much can be learned from the "attic of junk" that was Sheldon’s museum if you can place yourself, as well as figure out the value, of this influential and quite fascinating time period.