Posts fromGenna Mirenda

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Go Figure!

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“A Mermaid” by John William Waterhouse, 1901.

For this post in “Go Figure!” I wanted to look at the two mermaids we have in our collection. For centuries myth and legends of mermaids have been told around the world, so I want to take this chance to share some stories and let you all know about the two ladies we have here in our collection.

The myth and folklore of mermaids have been around since 1000 B.C.E. While their whereabouts and intentions have differed through the years, this week I want to focus on the kinder and more gentle side of mermaids, since I think this particular figurehead has a sweet composure. For the next post, I will discus our other figurehead, and while she does not look the least bit frightening, I still think she is up to something.Read more

Collections

Go Figure!

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Irish Queen

Hey all! This is the first post of a new series that I thought would be interesting, “Go Figure!” This will be a collection of various figureheads from our collection that are not on display at this time. Our first figurehead is called the Irish Queen, and is the torso of a woman with ornate details.

This particular figurehead has an interesting and mysterious past, and her origins are still being tracked down. Given the name Irish Queen because the detail on her belt resembles clovers, it is still unknown if she is in fact from Ireland (some say it represents Wales). There are currently three possibilities of who this woman is and/or what she represents 1) it’s personification of Ireland, 2) the pirate queen Grainne O’Malley, or 3) none of the above (i.e. no idea). What we do know is that who ever had created her, paid close attention to detail.Read more

Collections

Object of the Month- Pvt. Joe Louis

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Pvt. Joe Louis Poster from World War II.
Pvt. Joe Louis Poster from World War II.

为了纪念黑人历史月,我们认为它是ld be appropriate to share an artifact with a strong African American hero. This poster from World War II shows Joe Louis and his motivation words, a concept that became a household idea for Americans during this time.

“… and we’ll win because we’re on God’s side,” became an important slogan during World War II. Pvt. Joe Lewis, a well known African American boxer, made this phrase a household thing during this time. During the Second World War, this poster was seen throughout the country and Pvt. Louis’ statement inspired other young men to join and support the fight, which made his a very popular advocate for American pride.Read more