The Avery House Historic District debuts its newly designated exhibit room with “The Treasures We Keep: The Elizabeth Dyer Family Collection,” an exhibit that offers Avery House visitors the opportunity to discover a century of one family’s heirlooms, and consider their own family treasures and the stories they tell.

From books, quilts and toys spanning over a century, to garments ranging from 1840s finery to mid 20th century custom millinery, the Dyer Family Collection features pieces that connect us to our past.

The exhibit invites visitors to reflect upon the treasures they keep and the memories they hold, and also provides information about care and storage of their own family collections.

Opening day of the exhibit on August 29 will be celebrated with an ice cream social and games on the lawn, including “The Donkey Game,” a replica of the original Dyer Collection pin-the-tail-on-the donkey game which is on view in the exhibit.

Beautiful Edwardian paper dolls are another highlight of the Dyer Collection, and opening day celebrations will also include an opportunity for visitors of all ages to cut out and color their own replica paper doll as a memento of the day.

Purchase tickets using the simpletix link below. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $6 for children.