A Bit of MKIM History

The following is an article written by Andy Bullock, who was a trustee of the museum.  The article is taken from The Trustees' Corner, which appeared in the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum Education and Cultural Center Newsletter, Vol. 11, No. 2, Summer 2001.

"On a recent trip to Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum I was reminded of my first visit to Warner, NH.  The [museum's] founder, Bud Thompson and I drove up Route 89, passing many beautiful mountains, lakes and rivers.  Warner was, and is, such a quaint New England village.

"Bud was so excited to show me his "find" that we actually drove right past the local diner in town!  I can assure you, every trip to the museum since then has required a stop for lunch!  Like an anxious child on Christmas morning, Bud drove up the hilly road from town.  "Almost there, almost there!" he said.

MKIM Under Construction, circa 1991

"We pulled into the driveway between the house and the "barn". Keys?  Who needed keys - this was a barn after all, complete with wheelbarrows, sawdust, and pigeons living in the rafters.  Daylight was shining through the roof and the walls, as well as the windows!  Within minutes I was excited as Bud.  The pictures of where the the theater, gift shop and displays would ultimately be located had already been envisioned.  The brambles out back were the future home of "Medicine Woods".  At that time Anna's Garden was an overgrown hayfield.

"My, how far this museum has come!  Think of what Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum means to you.  Everyone who has ever visited this museum has contributed to the spirit of this wonderful place.

"With these historic visions still in mind, I would like to welcome you back for a visit.  The snow has melted and the trees and flowers are in full bloom.  Inside the museum there are also many changes.  Several new staff members greet guests with a warm welcome.  The gift shop is stocked with an exciting selection of crafts, books and treasures.  Look at the progress of Anna's Garden.

"Be sure to notice the recent additions to the museum collection as well.  In keeping with the emphasis on Woodland cultures, two fully outfitted mannequins are now on display.  The male mannequin is dressed in an Ojibwa outfit circa 1890.  The fine detail in the floral beaded leggings and breechclout are breathtaking.  The female mannequin is dressed in a traditional Iroquois outfit.  Rows of beadwork on the leggings and skirt are reminiscent of fine European lace.  The blouse is decorated with beads, ribbon and trade silver.  The Glengarry Bonnet on her head is a superb example of 1890's Iroquois beadwork artistry.

"Catch the spirit all over again.  Take a trip to Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum soon."