60 - 90 Minute Talks

#1 The Origin of the American Medicine Show (Version 1)This presentation will cast light on the origins of the patent medicine shows that were started in England, then bloomed in the US.  Learn about small time operations to sophisticated shows that used clever marketing and engaging performances to sell "Snake Oil" including devices.  The shows were especially entertaining to the nation before the arrival of radio and film.
Version 2 - The Secret Sauce of Snake Oil Salesmen and how they made Millions this is a shorter presentation with more artifacts to be seen in person.

#2 Strange and Dangerous Medicines and Devices - 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!

#3 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

#4 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 19th and 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?

#5 Jewelry of Death or Passion for Life and Deep Love?

Discover the meaning and evolution of Memento Mori, with a focus on Victorian jewelry using human hair and other materials.  Join Doctor R. Snick as he shares this deeply interesting subject.

Other types of Memento Mori artifacts and jewelry will be shown.  Presentation will include places to seek items for your personal collection.   

#6 Fascinating and horrible Elixirs from the 1800s to the late 1940s

A new 2026 talk about strange things many of our US ancestors could have drunk prior to the late 1940's.  Starting in the 1890's with a variety of tonics and refreshing drinks with unusual ingredients to the radioactive tonics of the early 20th century to the drugged sodas of the 1940's.  Exciting and unusual, plus tips on collecting for your oddities cabinet.