CIHS Exhibit 2013

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No Idle Hands

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The  exhibit presented work by thrifty islanders, treasures preserved by the museum or shared by generous families.  These items were produced to keep warm; fashioned to decorate their homes; created for use in their labors; and, occasionally, made simply to amuse themselves or their children.  Several generations of island families were represented, from the Upton quilt of 1851 to a floral quilt made by Shirley Burgess in the 1990’s for the Hinchman family.  Considered collector’s items in modern times, these handmade decoys, baskets and other items were created for a particular purpose or for the joy of whimsy as well.

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