OPEN NOW: BH&PS SPECIAL EXHIBIT "PLAY!"
MARCH THROUGH DECEMBER 2024
WEDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS & FRIDAYS
1 to 5 PM
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
@ SOCIETY HEADQUARTERS
48 COURT STREET, BRISTOL, RHODE ISLAND
TOYS? GAMES? WHAT DO THEY MEAN TO US?
What did they all mean 100 years ago?
What did they look like 200 years ago?
Our newest exhibit "PLAY!" presents the wide range of fascinating toys from the Society's collections, some on view for the first time in many years. As you explore, learn if we play some of the same games today that our great-great-great grandparents played a hundred, or even hundreds, of years ago.
VIEW THROUGH THE LENS OF TIME
We all know that the nature of play has changed over time. This extraordinary exhibit features activities which were popular here in Bristol long ago. See for yourself how toys and play can be different when viewed through the lens of history, sociology, anthropology, education, folklore, philosophy, psychology, and even literature.
WE NEVER, EVER TIRE OF BOARD GAMES!
Even in our present day of mobile and video games, who doesn't love a really good board game? Visit our Hands-on-History Room to play Parchesi, chess, checkers, Mastermind, and even our very own and newly designed "Bristol-opoly". Sit down, get comfortable, and play!
WE HAVE IT ALL !!
Games? Marbles? Toy Soldiers? Board Games? Dolls? Doll Houses? Cameras? Chess Boards? Monopoly? Chinese Checkers? Parchesi? Jump Ropes? Hoops? Train Sets? A Toy Stove?
PAST EXHIBIT
BRISTOL VETERANS AND THE EVOLUTION OF MILITARY FUNERARY RITES
The challenges of military service are well known. But what about when a soldier dies in combat? This exhibit illuminates what happens to Veterans who make the ultimate sacrifice and how the practices of caring for our military dead have changed alongside changing tactics of war.
PAST EXHIBIT
A HISTORY OF BRISTOL'S SCHOOLS FROM 1680 TO 1800
Students in class at the Burton School located at 140 High Street, Bristol.
PAST EXHIBIT
LOST MAIN STREET: MOM & POP BUSINESSES OF BRISTOL'S PAST
As part of a RI Council for the Humanities Grant, the BH&PS created a "walk" through of LOST MAIN STREET.
PAST EXHIBIT
DIFFERENT TOOLS, DIFFERENT VIEWS
Doughnut mold made from salvaged German medals and bullet casing by Corporal Jack [Graro].
PAST EXHIBIT
THE FACES OF THE BRISTOL RUBBER INDUSTRY
Rubber worker standing next to a 1000-pound ball of rubber.
PAST EXHIBIT
NEVER DONE: WOMEN'S WORK
The extraordinary photograph above pictures a woman applying wallpaper assisted by an unknown man.