Needham History Center Holds Reception for Two New Exhibits

1147 Central Avenue,Needham MA 02492

24 October, 2021

Description

New Exhibits Highlight Children’s Games and Cartoons of Bob Larsen The Needham History Center has two new exhibits opening in October, one focusing on children’s games and one highlighting the cartoons of Needham illustrator Bob Larsen. The Center will hold an Opening Reception on Sunday, October 24, at 2:00 pm for a first look at the exhibits. The Game of Life: the Serious Business of Children’s Games – Although we prefer our kids to play “educational” games, most games for kids are for distraction and relaxation. Not so in the 1800s, when “leisure,” especially for children, was considered wasteful if not actually harmful. Games for children were deadly serious, an extension of the moral lessons learned in church and at home. Aspire to reach The Mansion of Happiness by maximizing your virtues and minimizing your vices – and at all costs, avoid the Summit of Despair! It’s a far cry (or, is it??) from Millionaire Acres. The exhibit includes take-away games and activities for kids. (This exhibit was made possible by a generous grant from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center – Needham) Deja View: a Look Back at Needham through the Cartoons of Bob Larsen – For many years, Bob Larsen contributed a weekly cartoon to the Needham Times. When Bob closed his studio a few years ago, he kindly donated many of his original cartoons and other artwork to the Needham History Center. The Center is thrilled to be showing them off! Bob Larsen's editorial cartoons livened up the local papers and local conversation with his pointed and affectionate commentary on local affairs and local officials. Revisit some favorites and find a few you might have missed. This event is free and open to all. Refreshments will be served. Visitors are asked to wear masks. The Needham History Center is located at 1147 Central Avenue in Needham.