The passing tourists paused to scratch their heads, wondering why a group of historical re-enactors congregated outside of the Sigal Museum this past weekend. They were even more intrigued as the group held a procession around Easton’s Centre Square, calling all who were curious to venture into the Museum for a weekend full of commemorative lectures and exhibits.
Located at 342 Northampton St., the Sigal Museum is owned and operated by the Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society. Filled with local, pre-European artifacts, furniture, textiles and farming equipment, the Museum is unique in that not only do they host a unique assortment of collections; they also host self-guided and docent-led tours. The Museum is also home to a fantastic library, a necessary stop for the ardent researcher or the local merely curious about the history he or she is surrounded by.
The commemorative weekend began on Saturday with a procession through Center Square at 9:15 am, followed by a dedication of the building at 9:30. This was followed with a Lenape Nations discussion geared towards children by Shelley DePaul at 10:30 am. The adult-oriented discussion was held at 2:00 pm. A Civil War dressmaker presented at 11:00 am, and children’s bingo was held at noon. Sunday featured a portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln by Melissa Rabinsky at 11:00 am. At 1:00 pm a presentation was held on “Easton: Then and Now”, followed by a presentation by Richard Hope at 2:30 pm.
As the historical society gears up for another year, they have much success to look back on, and much to look forward to. The society owns and operates the Bachmann Publick House, open select weekends for tours (school groups upon reservation); the Mixsell House (by appointment); the Jacob Nicholas House (by appointment), and the Sigal Museum itself, open Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 am to 3:00 pm and Sundays from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
For additional information, contact the Sigal Museum at 610-253-1222 or visit http://www.sigalmuseum.org