Artists and Writers May Find Inspiration in Historic Archives

One of Patch's most loved columns is the Urban Archeologist.  If you are one of those people who love exploring old stuff, you may want to read this. As Diane Hassan, the research specialist at the Danbury Museum & Historical Society said, “Who doesn't love to go through their grandparents attic? The chipped gilt frame, the old linens and family portrait from the 1800s?”

 The Museum is hosting a new event and is giving a shout out to everyone in Western CT who thrives on creativity and inspiration.  Writers, bloggers, painters, and the creative like, can come for two hours on Wednesday, March 28, and see the trove of antique goodies the museum will lay out. The launch of this inaugural gathering of ‘The Pen & Paper Creatives Collective' is geared toward utilizing museum resources to nurture creativity.

 “There isn't a day I leave here that I don't have a great idea just from going through the archives. We want to share and show people there is an idea everywhere in this room. The wealth of ideas, the hidden history, the old fonts from newspapers, old business trade cards; if you are searching for an idea, you will find it here.”

 The group will be led by Danbury resident, Michele Lee Amundsen, museum volunteer, writer, editor, blogger and photographer. “We will sort out what the group would like to have happen. It will be two hours long and there will be a creativity excercise,” Hassan said. “And then we will pull a bunch of stuff from the archives that people can go through.”

 Attendees will be encouraged to draw inspiration from the many artifacts and archival items displayed during these sessions. There will be vintage photos, old school yearbooks, scrapbooks, postcards and more. “The archives will change with every section," Hassan said. "Maybe one meeting we'll sit in the Marion Anderson studio, maybe have guest speakers. We'll see what everyone wants this to become.”

 “Whether you have a project in the works or just need a little help summoning the Muse,” Amundsen said, “this will be a welcoming environment for discussion, exploration and sharing.”

 “We’re excited to open up the museum space, archives and collections as a means of inspiring people. It is also a great opportunity for us to share the many artistic assets of the museum,” stated Brigid Guertin, Executive Director.

 “I hope that Greater Danbury creatives – be they writers, artists, designers, doodlers – will join us for this evening of encouragement and fun,” shared Amundsen.