Dear Patrons, It has been an unprecedented time in the museum world. Know that we have been praying for your health. We have friends in the world who have battled or are battling this virus, and other friends who have lost family members unrelated to the virus, or have suffered other health crises during this … More We are Closed but Operational
Every once in awhile…as Gerard unlocks the museum for the day…a mystery package greets him–a box, a bag, and once, a beautiful cast iron bell. It is always fun to see what treasures someone has left for our collection. I remember in the past some historic photography. Photographs are special, especially if they are from … More Treasures Found at the Door
It has been a wonderful Christmas season at the Lutheran Heritage Center. We have hosted well more than a thousand guests this past few months; we worked hard to create an excellent exhibit; and we celebrate this New Year as a seasoned team–looking hopefully forward with faith and purpose. The last tree I would like … More Epiphany 2020
We have some incredible bells within the landscape of the Lutheran Heritage Center: the beautiful historic bell at Trinity Church, and the First Church bell, cast in Spain near the same time as our country’s Liberty Bell. I also love the carillon tones from our beloved Immanuel Church in Altenburg. We have already told their … More I Heard the Bells…
I have always loved Nativity scenes. I remember all of the Nativities from my childhood in the homes of my family. My Grandma & Grandpa Wilcox had a brightly painted papier-mache set from Ben Franklin dime-store. My Mom had an abstract acrylic set from Hallmark. My favorite piece in the sets has always been the … More The Advent of Greatness via a Humble Donkey
We are so pleased to exhibit the historic Thilenius Distributing Model AA Ford truck. We are thankful to LaDonna and the late Howard Thilenius for this accession. It has been fun to use it in our collection. Today, Santa brought the truck to Altenburg, to deliver this giant tree! A very special thanks to Meier … More Santa Claus Came to Town
My friend, April Isbell Schneider inspired this post. She really likes German-style feather trees. If you research these beauties, you realize that historic ones are hard to find in proper condition to display, and the newly produced authentic ones are quite costly. I will show you April’s brilliant compromise at the end of this post. … More German Feather Trees
I began collecting tiny paper Putz houses 15 years ago when then Historical Society Pres., Leonard Kuehnert told me about them. Museum founder, Vernon Meyr had a few of them in his grandparent’s collection. His Christmas ornament collection was used for our very first Christmas exhibit 15 years ago next month. Putzen are traditional small … More Create Your Own Putzen
It never ceases to amaze me how things manage to come through our doorways and what type of journey the museum objects take in order to return back home. You hear the word ‘provenance’ a lot in the research and museum world. We are experts here on the genealogy of people and places, but you might not hear as much about … More There’s No Place Like Home
Please join us during the Perry County Community Fair, the best little Fair in the land! The energy is beginning to blossom for our favorite event of the year! We will be featuring a special exhibition by artist, Vicki Outman. Vicki is renowned for her beautiful soft pastel landscapes. I happen to personally own some … More An Artist in the House!
