60 Minute Shows

#1 Strange and Dangerous Medicines and Devices (one hour version) - Understanding Quackery, dangerous medicines and devices from the Victorian era to the early 20th century

• Discover patent medicines and the HIDDEN INGREDIENTS

• Discover STRANGE and DANGEROUS medicines

• Discover strange devices, some which did absolutely nothing!

#2 The Oddities Show  Discover facts about sideshow oddities, oddities museums and the amazing PT Barnum museums (mature audiences recommended)

• Introduction to several of the famous "Oddities" who entertained the audiences at Barnum's two New York museums, with a peek into the Massachusetts Middleborough Historical Museum Tom Thumb collection

• A glimpse of some items from private collections

• Acquisition and display tips

• How to find other intriguing objects to round out your cabinet of curiosities

#3 The Poisons and Cures Show - 

Find out how some of the poisons were used in the past and how "cures" were sold, making SHOCKING amounts of money for the purveyors, from hundreds of years ago to the 18th century and the early 20th century

• Who were some of the famous poisoners of the past?

• What has been commonly used as poison?

• What were some of the historic "cures" or poison "detectors"??

• How have cures been sold?

• What dangers did the cures have?

#4 A Touch of Memento Mori (60 minute version)

Discover Memento Mori, from the 1700's to the fascinating use of living and deceased loved ones in beautiful jewelry and shadow boxes.  Other types of Memento Mori artifacts and jewelry will be shown.  Presentation will include places to seek items for your personal collection.