MATHEWS––Mathews Museum reopened its doors to the general public on November 15, following extensive redesign and renovation. “We will continue to unveil new exhibits throughout the year, in our revamped and redesigned facility,” said museum president Tom Robinson.
Dr. Haynes’ Horse Drawn Buggy
Dr. J.D.W. Haynes was a mainstay in the Mathews community at the turn of the century. His horsedrawn buggy would take him on his rounds, tending to patients throughout the area, delivering babies. This new exhibit will showcase his carriage, horse blanket made of horsehair and mohair, and artifacts of his trade including his medicine bag containing original medicines, on loan from the Mathews Historical Society.
The horse and buggy-style carriage will sit in the newly created “garage” that has been constructed inside the Museum.
Campeche Chair — A local mystery resolved?
In the main room at the museum, visitors will be greeted by an unusual looking chair known as the Campeche Chair — its origin and genealogical history in the county, somewhat in question. Discovered in the attic of the Mathews Old Court House in 1975, the Campeche chair is a type of chair purportedly favored by Thomas Jefferson in his later years. According to a story in the county’s newspaper more than 10 years ago, the chair had been on loan at Monticello for a three month study period, to attempt to determine its provenance. Curators from Monticello arrived in Mathews to view the chair, and sought permission to take it back to determine if it were an authentic early 19th century Campeche chair built by Monticello’s indentured cabinetmakers. The chair’s provenance could not be accurately determined, there being no paperwork supporting its beginnings.
After a number of years with the chair remaining under study in Monticello, a member of the board of supervisors asked for its return. Research is ongoing.
A ”Country Critters Christmas” Display Will Greet Visitors
A collection of mounted Virginia wildlife — all relative to Mathews County — is now on display at the Mathews Museum.
A rare piebald deer and a large bear will greet visitors in the lobby. Other mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds will also be on display, in tandem with the opening of Virginia’s hunting season.
Department of Wildlife officials will be on hand for discussion and films will be shown, depicting Virginia’s wildlife. Dates and times will be posted on the Museum’s updated website.
1891 A.B. Chase Reed Organ
A newly donated and beautifully refurbished 1891 A.B.Chase reed organ now resides in the newly refinished audiovisual room at the front of the museum. The museum anticipates entertaining the community with a schedule of concerts throughout the year. Also residing in the audiovisual room are four window paintings by local artist Pam Manz. These renderings reflect various scenes in Mathews County.
Mathews Historic Underwater Explorer Returns to Mathews
Klingel Aquascope Exhibit Soon Will be In the Chesapeake Room
Gilbert Klingel was one of the most remarkable men to have ever lived in Mathews County. Boat builder, author, explorer, naturalist, metallurgist, photographer, inventor, sailor…he did it all. He was a real renaissance man.
Although known by only a handful of Mathews residents, Klingel was revered around the world for his contributions to society.
Robinson notes that the “Gilbert Klingel Exhibit” will soon be on permanent display in the museum, with the Aquascope being the focal point of that exhibit. One of Klingel’s many accomplishments was the “Aquascope,” a two-ton, two-man submersible platform designed and built by Klingel at his boatyard on Gwynn’s Island. In 1954, Klingel, along with his “shipmate” Willard Culver, spent a total of 100 hours taking the first photographs and videos ever taken under the Chesapeake Bay.
Their exploits were covered in a 16-page article in National Geographic magazine. This display remains under construction until a later date.
Visit the museum’s new website at www.mathewsmuseum.org for information.
