We're going to NJ

[hsapiens]

Finally, finally, finally have gotten the better half to commit to the dates he's available for traveling to NJ! We're going to a wedding on Sat., Sept. 16 but will be around for a couple more days (Sun., Sept. 17 - Wed., Sept. 20). We're flying out the evening of the 20th.

Since he isn't thrilled at the idea of going to the Brooklyn Museum - which totally boggles my mind but I suppose not everyone grooves on archaeology - I'm trying to think of things to do in the City that will interest him. He's big time into American history, military history, and enjoys hikes. Obviously, some time in Central Park is called for and South Street Maritime Museum looks like a good possibility as does delving into history in and around Wall Street. There's probably a night at Spamalot in our future, as well.

jalabert has already given me some excellent suggestions and I'm researching them. Any others are welcome, as well, since this trip has to please BOTH of us. :)

Comments

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

Yeah, well, I guess I'll visit AFTER they take down the dioramas because seriously, I'd be apoplectic. Joe tolerated it after San Diego and to a much lesser extent my rantings after the Ur show. I'm trying to avoid that this time around.

But man, *I* would sure as hell make getting rid of that sort of crap a priority.

[gentlyepigrams]

I would too.

I think those may be the original exhibits from the 20s. They have the feel of the dioramas I remember as a kid from natural sciences museums. They were just AWFUL.

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

Oh boy, I think I know exactly which dioramas you're thinking of because I recall the HMNS's "exhibits" of yesteryear. They've gotten rid of the mannequins but their displays are still pathetic. Another rant that Joe had to listen to, recently. I really wish there were money in museum work because I'd really love to put together meaningful, educational, and exciting archaeologicale exhibits. There's so much potential and it's so often wasted.

That's one of the reasons I so dearly love the Met. I learned so much very cool stuff there and was never bored.

[mcroft.livejournal.com]

This is Teddy Roosevelt's museum. And the exhibits were groundbreaking in 1905.

The Hall of Northwest Coast Indians, the Museum's oldest hall, showcases the research conducted during the Museum's first major field expedition, the Jesup North Pacific Expedition (1897-1902), considered one of the most important anthropological field studies ever made. Organized by Museum President Morris K. Jesup and led by Franz Boas (1858-1942), known as the "father of American anthropology," the expedition set out to investigate the cultural and biological links between people living on both sides of the Bering Strait, with the hope of determining whether or not America was first populated by migrations from Asia. The cultures featured in the hall occupy North America's shores from Washington State to southern Alaska. The artifacts, folklore, and artwork displayed document and celebrate the customs and artistry of the Kwakiutl, Haida, Tlingit, Bella Coola, and other peoples. Exhibits include exquisite totem carvings, clothing, tools, and masks.

And the costumed funny looking people are fully dressed.

[hsapiens.livejournal.com]

Fully dressed is a leg up on the dioramas of my youth -- and I'm going to spare you my wtf? reaction to the costume and the lame ass description, "This fantastic costume plays a significant role in the life of the culture in which it was produced." Because really, I'm probably the only one who gets so pissy over platitudinous signage.

I have to admit, the Southstreet City Archaeology thing looks interesting. Not certain about, "by appointment only" and how that translates to cost, but I think early NYC history could be very cool and a possible intesection of Joe's and my interests. Even if it is, yanno, so bloody modern. ;-)