See? That’s the way to write a title, no? My AP English teacher would be so proud. She scared me, let me tell you, but made me a better writer for sure. In any case, the truth of the matter is that the Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History at Regis College has a lot of cool (and creepy and furry and feathery) fun coming up this month, so please take note of it. If you are unfamiliar with this awesome local museum, please read the Weston Owl post from July.

Did you know it is National Stamp Collecting Month? Yes, it is. I expect my card any day or at least a reminder from Facebook. Here’s a list of all that’s happening…and then because it seems a good idea, I shall remind you of various of these calendar events (OWLS!!!!) as the dates get closer.

Live Animal Programs 

On Saturday, October 16 at 10:30 am, Nancy Lamb from Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm will bring several animals from the farm and talk about how animals prepare for the winter. If the fox is coming, I will be in the front row. If the fisher is coming, I am sitting in the last row.

On Sunday, October 17 at 1:00 pm, Joy Marzolf of The Joys of Nature will bring some of her “creepy animals” to get people in the mood for Halloween.  Her animals will include some snakes, tarantulas, hissing cockroaches, a lizard, and several other creatures. This has my kids written all over it. Both have had tarantulas on their heads at various points in their lives (Brazilian Grandma Owl is a biologist) and it’s good creepy fun.

At both programs, children can make a free set of animals on stamps to take home, do stamp activities including a stamp hunt and join the Museum’s Youth Stamp Club.  Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and children to age 16.  Saturday’s program will be held outside weather permitting. Advanced registration is not required but can be made at info@spellman.org.

OWLS, ermigod, Owls!

Up to six owls from “Eyes on Owls are coming on Sunday, October 24 for two programs at 1:00 and 3:00.  Included are owls found in New England from the smallest (who knows which one that is?) to the large and beautiful snowy owl.  And yes, there is a postal history tie-in: owls delivered the mail in the Harry Potter books.  At some point, there will be a chance to learn how to hoot like an owl. 

This program has been held before at the Museum and has proved very popular.  Advanced registration is not required but can be made at info@spellman.org.  Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and children. For more details contact that email or call 617-784-5838.  

Clock and Watch Program – And Appraisal

On Saturday, October 23 at 1:00, clock expert Robert Frishman will give a presentation featuring images of clocks on stamps and then provide an informal appraisal of any vintage clocks or watches people bring to the Museum.   Mr. Frishman is a horologist professional and scholar who has repaired more than 7,000 clocks and has sold 1,700 vintage timepieces. He writes and lectures about the history, culture, and technology of horology, the science of timekeeping.  More info on Mr. Frishman can be found at www.bel-time.com. 

The program is free.  For more information send an email to info@spellman.org or call 617-784-5838.

Susan B. Anthony at the Spellman Museum 

No, the real Ms. Anthony is not coming–she has sadly passed on, and if she did come back, that would be verrrrry scary. To celebrate the one-hundred and first anniversary of the nineteenth amendment to the US constitution, award winning actress Sheryl Faye will bring to life Susan B. Anthony, one of the most famed suffragettes in American History. In a forty-five minute performance, Ms. Faye in costume will trace the life of Ms. Anthony.  Come learn more about the fascinating woman.  Questions will be welcomed.  The program starts at 10:30 on Saturday, October 23 with doors opening at 10:00. The program is suitable for ages seven to adult. 

Ms. Faye has previously appeared as Sally Ride and Amelia Earhart at the Museum. After the performance, representatives of the Boston and Weston Post Offices will hold a brief ceremony of an unveiling of last year’s commemorative stamp celebrating the amendment’s adoption.   

The Museum also has an exhibit that traces the history of woman’s suffrage using stamps from colonial days until the present.  Ms. Faye’s presentation is part of the Museum’s “Stamps Come Alive” series and part of the celebration of National Stamp Collecting Month.  Children will be able to make a free collection of stamps featuring famous women to take home. 

Admission is $5 per family.  For more information email to info@spellman.org or call 617-784-5838. 

Exotic Animals at the Spellman Museum

On Saturday, October 30 at 10:30,  the creature feature at the Spellman includes animals from Animal Adventures and Animal Rescue Center of Bolton. Animals could include an alligator, a large snake (perhaps a boa!), a chinchilla, ferrets, bunnies, a hedgehog, some turtles, frogs, and other reptiles. All of these animals have appeared on either US or worldwide stamps. 

For more information, contact info@spellman.org or call 617-784.5838.  Advanced registration is not required but people can email to guarantee seats.  Admission is $5 adults and $3 Seniors and Children. 

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The Spellman Museum of Stamps and Postal History is located at the Regis College Campus at 241 Wellesley Street in Weston. For more information, please visit their website, contact info@spellman.org or call 617-784-5838. 

Note: all programs are supported in part by grants from the Weston Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.