In the Attic

Join us as we explore items in our collections both on and off display. Every other week we will feature a new-old item and share its story. We’re honored to be the repository for such wonderful Brewster treasures and thank our generous donors past and present for entrusting them to our care.

In the Attic - Ice Skates

December 8, 2023 Brewster Historical

New Englanders are all familiar with cold weather and skating on frozen ponds, and in particular on Cape Cod, skating on frozen cranberry bogs. Margot Fitsch recalls in her oral history on our YouTube channel, “parents preferred the bogs as you couldn’t fall through very deep.”

In the Attic - Chinese Embroidery

May 19, 2021 Brewster Historical

As another contribution to Asian American and Pacific Islander Month from our collection I thought of these beautiful clothing articles from China.

In the Attic - Japanese Fubako or Letter Box

May 11, 2021 Brewster Historical

Thinking about Asian American and Pacific Islander Month I thought of this elegant letter box from Japan.

In the Attic - Scrimshaw Stay Busk

April 21, 2021 Brewster Historical

Scrimshaw Stay Busk made by Adnah Rogers, Jr. for Mary A. Higgins, BHS 1111.483

This lovely bone busk is engraved is engraved with flower designs and poetry. The carver has added palm trees and American flags together, intimating the distant reach he has traveled with his ship. C. 1850-1890