Museum

Manlius Historical Museum
101 Scoville Ave., Manlius, NY 315-682-6660

11 am to 3 pm, Saturdays or by appointment with the Director
NOW OPEN for 2011
FREE to the public for 34 years. Donations are appreciated.

The Manlius Historical Museum has permanent displays including a schoolroom and general store, as well as a large exhibit room with special displays each year. Attached to the museum is an authentic working Blacksmith Shop and an authentic non-working Outhouse. The lawn is maintained by our sister organization, the Manlius Herb Society.

Plain and Fancy: Traditional Fiber Arts

New Exhibit on display for 2011 at the Manlius Museum. The Plain and Fancy: Traditional Fiber Arts exhibit explains that needlework in the early days was a matter of necessity. Clothes were hand made using fabric, mainly linen or wool, that was woven either by a family member or a weaver. Needlework comes in two forms: plain and fancy. Plain needlework was the basic needlework done that was necessary for the life of the family. Some examples would be the sewing of clothing, darning to repair fabrics, weaving family linens, knitting and rug making. Fancy needlework was used for decoration. This was mainly done by wealthy girls and women who had the money to purchase silk and fine linens. Wealthy families often sent their daughters to special schools to be trained by skilled needle workers.

To learn more please visit the Manlius Museum.