Tag Archives: Webster museum

Webster Museum celebrates National Preservation Month

4 May

May is a pretty neat month. After a cold, gray winter, we’re finally getting some warm temperatures, sunshine and flowers. But May is particularly special for the folks at the Webster Museum, who are commemorating National Preservation Month, a time to swap out old exhibits for new, and to offer some special programs.

National Preservation Month is a time when the museum focuses on Webster’s visible history, as seen in historic buildings and illuminated through oral histories. Here’s what’s in store in the next few weeks:

History and a Cup series

The History and a Cup programs focus on oral history; long-time Webster residents tell their stories in a comfortable, give-and-take atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to bring a sandwich and enjoy some soft drinks and cookies as they sit back and listen to the stories.

Three programs have been scheduled this month, each one on a Wednesday, from noon to 1 p.m. There’s no charge for these events and registration is not needed.

  • Wednesday May 7: Jon Anderson and Bill Ruoff: Jon and Bill have lived in the Village of Webster for mofre than 50 years. Both have been Village trustees, and Bill was a Village mayor.
  • Wednesday May 14: John Gonzalez: John Gonzalez is married to Shari, daughter of Bruce and Mary Hegedorn, and has been actively involved in the Hegedorn family businesses for many years. John will share his experiences and what it was like working with Bruce Hegedorn and Bill Gray.
  • Wednesday May 21: Surprise guest! Stay tuned here and stay in touch with the Webster Museum website for more details.

Learn about cobblestone buildings

Ever wonder about those beautiful cobblestone homes and businesses that dot our town? Cobblestones are a unique and interesting building material. You can learn more about these beautiful structures when the Webster Museum welcomes Walworth Town Historian Gene Bavis on Sunday May 18 to talk about these remarkable structures, which are scattered throughout many towns and villages in Webster New York.

The talk begins at 2 p.m. at the Webster Museum. No registration is necessary and free refreshments will be provided.

Historic property plaque presentation

At the Webster Town Board meeting on Thursday, May 15, the museum will be presenting a historic property plaque to the former Village train station.

National Preservation Month is a time when the museum celebrates those who have preserved historic houses, barns, outbuildings, bridges, statues and cemeteries. The museum has presented more than 80 plaques to the Webster properties that answer the question, “would the original owners recognize the property?” The plaque is a thank you from the Town of Webster and the Webster Museum for maintaining the integrity of the property. (There’s a map of these properties at Webstermuseum.org and paper maps available at the museum. The Historic Properties Committee of the museum is working on updating the map.)

The old train depot is now located on May St. and is a child care facility called Expressive Beginnings. The presentation will take place at the Webster Town Board meeting on Thursday May 15 at 7 p.m.

Finally, while you’re out and about, stop by the museum to see their new exhibit highlighting many of Webster’s historic plaque properties with photos and descriptions. And if you’re at the Webster Public Library, check out the exhibit there featuring a model of a cobblestone house with other information on cobblestone construction.

The Webster Museum is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. They’re located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/4/2025)

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Webster Museum announces History and a Cup series

1 May

Judging by how well my local history blogs are received, and the traffic I get to my Webster History Bits link, a LOT of you out there like to learn about Webster history. To you, I say, put this month’s History and a Cup series at the Webster Museum on your calendar.

Three programs have been scheduled, each one on a Wednesday, from noon to 1 p.m. The focus of these programs is on oral history; long-time Webster residents tell their stories in a comfortable, give-and-take atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to bring a sandwich and enjoy some soft drinks and cookies as they sit back and listen to the stories. There’s no charge for these events and registration is not needed.

Here’s the schedule:

Wednesday May 7: Jon Anderson and Bill Ruoff.

Jon and Bill are both graduates of Irondequoit High School who have lived in the Village of Webster for over 50 years. Both have been Village trustees, with Bill serving as Village Mayor. Jon is currently the Immanuel Lutheran Church Historian.

Wednesday May 14: John Gonzalez

John Gonzalez is married to Shari, daughter of Bruce and Mary Hegedorn, and has been actively involved in the Hegedorn family businesses for many years. John will share his experiences and what it was like working with Bruce Hegedorn and Bill Gray, who eventually became partners.

Wednesday May 21: Surprise guest! Stay tuned here and stay in touch with the Webster Museum website for more details.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 5/1/2025)

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Bonus community mailbag

22 Mar

One of the benefits of being an entirely digital publication is that I can offer a rapid response for organizations who could use a hand getting the word out about an event or special offering. Today, I’m pleased to provide that service to two of my favorite local agencies, the Webster Comfort Care Home and the Webster Museum.

First, this extra shout-out for what promises to be a very fun evening of desserts and dancing.

The Webster Comfort Care Home is hosting an 80’s Prom and Dance Party on Saturday April 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Shadow Lake Golf Club, 1850 Five Mile Line Rd.

This is a great opportunity to celebrate a night on the town with your special gal or guy, complete with appetizers, desserts, a basket raffle and 50/50 raffle. There’ll be contests for Best Dressed and Most Original, and the King and Queen of the Prom will be crowned. You can even pre-order a corsage or boutonniere from Kittleberger’s, which you can pick up when you get to the dance.

Live entertainment for the evening will be provided by Hall Pass and DJ Lesh.

You remember how much fun your prom was! How about re-living that carefree time? And if you didn’t get to go to your prom, here’s your chance! Tickets are $60 each or two for $100, and the first 20 guests get a VIP bag of goodies. You can also purchase a package of eight tickets for $450, which includes a beautifully decorated table reserved just for you and your friends, and eight drink tickets.

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Let’s make this a huge success for the Comfort Care Home, because they do so much for our community. They rely on community support to fulfill its mission of providing free hospice care for our terminally ill Webster neighbors.

Next, the Webster Museum would like to remind you about all of the great educational opportunities that await you there for you and your children.

If you have never visited our Webster Museum, located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster, you might not realize that — when you’re there — you can:

  • discover evidence that mammoths wandered your neighborhood thousands of years ago
  • experience math and reading lessons in a one-room schoolhouse
  • see stone tools and weapons designed b Native Americans who might have camped in your yard
  • stroll down a typical Main Street featuring businesses of the early 1900s
  • visit multiple displays and observe how our daily living has changed

Guided group tours are provided on request for teachers, parents and Scout leaders. The docents there are even prepared to adjust the tour to meet your curriculum goals. To schedule a tour, call Jill Kraft at 585 -507-1908 (for school and Scout tours) or Sharon Pratt at 585 -766-7101 (for adult tours).

Visit the Webster Museum website to find out more specific information about everything the museum has to offer, including examples of the exhibits. And remember that the exhibits change seasonally, so make sure to stop back often.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/22/2025)

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Webster Museum will present program on scams

13 Mar

This coming Tuesday March 18, beginning at 10:30 a.m., the Webster Museum will host a special program about the increasing prevalence and sophistication of scams and fraud.

The program, called “Scam, Fraud,  AI Questions? Education is the Answer,” will be presented by Dan Lyon from the Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan.

Dan, a former officer with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, will provide useful tips on what to look for and how to handle any attempts to get your money or your personal information. For example, when you get a suspicious call from someone who sounds like your son or grandson, and they ask for money, this presentation will give you some ideas on what to do.

The program will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday March 18. There will be plenty of time to share your personal experiences and ask questions. The program is free, the museum is handicap accessible, and refreshments will be provided. For more information, visit the Webster museum website and make sure to “like” their Facebook page for the latest news about programs.  

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. They’re open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/13/2025)

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March History Bit: Meet the Webster Museum (Part 2)

2 Mar

In Today’s History Bit, we take a closer look at another of the Webster Museum’s permanent exhibits, the Webster Candy Kitchen. 

Located adjacent to the Witmer’s Variety exhibit, the Candy Kitchen is the second stop for museum visitors as they stroll down the Village of Webster’s recreated Main Street. 

Founded in 1908 by Charles Papapanu, the Candy Kitchen was located at 14 East Main Street, and was a fixture in the village for 65 years. It was a popular teen hangout and beloved sweets shop, known for its dizzying selection of penny candies, including taffy, peanut brittle, nougats, ribbon candy, caramels and dozens more. It was especially known for its molded chocolate Easter bunnies, and every year the owners donated a huge chocolate rabbit for the annual Kiwanis Easter Egg hunt. 

In 1940 the owners added a classic soda fountain, further cementing the Candy Kitchen’s popularity among both young and old. 

(photos courtesy Webster Town Historian Lynn Barton)

Tragedy struck in September 1973 when a discarded cigarette sparked a fire which destroyed the Candy Kitchen. Not having enough insurance to cover the damage, the owners had to close the shop.  

But the beloved Webster Candy Kitchen lives on at the Webster Museum, where many of the salvaged items from the shop are on display. The recreated soda fountain, complete with soda and topping dispensers and ice cream dipping cabinet harken to a time when kids would gather after school. Candy molds, a taffy pulling hook and ribbon candy maker remind us of when just a few pennies would buy a bag filled with sweets, a treasure beyond compare for any child. You can see them all – and read about them all – at the Webster Museum. 

Stay tuned for our next stop along Main Street in the next few months, when we remember another beloved and long-standing village business. In the meantime, you can find out more about the Webster Museum on the website, webstermuseum.org. Or stop by for a personal tour. 

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the village, and is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. There’s no admission charge.  

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 3/2/2025)

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Webster community mailbag

22 Feb

Looking ahead to events and warmer weather next month — and this coming summer — in today’s mailbag!

Win a pair of Beats headphones

In an effort to reach out to a younger audience and impress upon them the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN) has instituted a Beats headphone giveaway via Instagram.

It’s easy to enter; just visit @WHENdfcc on Instagram, and post a picture of you doing something happy and healthy, like going for a walk, playing a sport, etc. Comment and tag two friends, follow WHEN on Instagram and share the WHEN post to your story. See more about this great giveaway on Instgram or click here.

Wednesday March 3 is the last day to enter.

Looking forward to summer!

Enough with this snow. Here’s something to help you look past all that.

The Webster Business Improvement District (BID) has announced its summer lineup of Friday night gazebo concerts, beginning in July:

  • July 18: The Earthtones
  • July 25: The Sarah DeValliere Band
  • Aug. 1: It’s My Party
  • Aug. 8: The Red Hot & Blue Band
  • Aug. 22: Eight Days a Week

Plus, the Webster Jazz Festival returns Aug. 15 and 16.

The gazebo concerts begin at 7 p.m. at Veterans Park on North Ave. and admission is free. Bring the whole family, some folding chairs and a blanket, and a cooler if you’d like, then enjoy some beautiful music. Check out the BID website to stay up to date on details for these and all this summer’s village events.

News from the Arboretum

The Webster Arboretum has a beautiful new website which is very much worth a few minutes to check out. The new design is very easy to navigate, highlighting the trails, gardens and wildlife which abound in this beautiful natural area.

Scroll down a bit to read about this year’s slate of educational programs, a different one every month through November, ranging from hummingbirds to lilacs, bonsai trees to hydrangeas.

I’ll let you know more about each of these as they get closer, but here’s what’s happening in March:

  • Invasive Insects, Thursday March 20, 7 to 8 p.m.: Presented by Camille Caceci, the Invasive Species Project Coordinator with Finger Lakes PRISM. Invasive species are one of the biggest threats to our environment, and as scientific professionals, hobbyists, or passersby, we encounter them almost every day. But what makes a species invasive? How many are there? Learn more about them at this fascinating presentation.

The presentation will take place at the Curry Building at the Webster Arboretum, 1700 Schlegel Rd. Prior registration is requested for all these programs. They’re all free and will be held rain or shine. Visit the Webster Arboretum website for more information and to register.

And ALSO, mark your calendars now for the Arboretum’s annual Spring Plant Sale, Saturday May 10 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Women’s Club March luncheon will feature Webster history

Sharon Pratt from the Webster Museum will be the guest speaker at the next Women’s Club of Webster luncheon, Thursday March 20 at the Nutcracker Family Restaurant, 2159 Empire Blvd., Webster. Sharon will speak about what life was like for women in Webster’s early days.

The event begins at 11:15 a.m. with social time, followed by lunch at noon and Sharon’s presentation. Enjoy a buffet featuring roast beef, roasted chicken, rice pilaf, pasta primavera, salad, hot mixed vegetables, hot and cold beverages and warm camaraderie.

Cost of the luncheon is $25. Send check made out to WCW by March 13 to Carolyn Rittenhouse, 405 County Line Road, Ontario, 14519. If you have any questions, or you think your check will be late, phone Carolyn at 585-265-1303. New members are always welcome.

WCSD prekindergarten lottery is open

Registration for Webster Central School District’s 2024-25 prekindergarten lottery is now available online. Registrations will be accepted through Friday, March 14 at 10 a.m. Children who are 4 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2025 but who are not eligible for kindergarten, are eligible for prekindergarten enrollment for the upcoming school year.

Webster CSD PreK is a play-based program that engages students in social and emotional skills with a heavy emphasis on communication. The district offers both full-day and half-day options for families. Locations are determined by the lottery and according to the child’s home catchment for kindergarten.

For more information and to complete registration, please visit Webster CSD’s prekindergarten web page at www.websterschools.org/prek.

Lots to do in March at the library

Here’s a quick look at what’s happening at the Webster Public Library in March:

  • Vintage Book Sale, Saturday March 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop more than 200 fiction and non-fiction books, published between the 19th and early 21st centuries. Prices begin at $8.
  • The free community exchange in March is GAMES. Bring in a game that you don’t use anymore, and pick up a new one!
  • The Donation Station in March will benefit the Webster Public Library’s very own Free Food Pantry, located on the sidewalk right by the front door. Bring in non-perishable food items to help keep the pantry stocked.
  • The Seed Library will be open for the season on Monday March 3

For adults:

  • St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, Saturday March 1, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Celebrate the Emerald Isle with music from the band Merriwick, Irish tea and beautiful pictures of Ireland! Registration is required.
  • Growing Orchids in Rochester, Saturday March 8, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • Learn about orchids and how to grow them in Rochester in anticipation of the 2025 Genesee Region Orchid Show. Registration is required.

For teens and tweens:

  • Make It Monday: Glass Bead Suncatchers, Monday March 10, 6 to 7 p.m. Grades 4 and up are welcome. Registration is requested.
  • Teen Library Club, Wednesday March 26, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Hang out with your friends and get more involved in the library and the community. For grades 6 to 12. Registration is requested.

For kids and families:

  • Flute Storytime, Saturday March 15, 2 to 2:30 p.m. Join flutist Jaclyn Breeze for a 30-minute program featuring two picture books and flute pieces. No registration required.
  • Spring Equinox Drop-In Crafts in the storytime room. Friday March 21 and Saturday March 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All ages are welcome and registration is not required.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 2/22/2025)

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Got antiques?

17 Feb

Here’s some good news for any of you who were disappointed to discover that — thanks to the really stinky weather last Sunday — the Webster Museum decided to postpone their very popular Antiques and Collectibles Roadshow. You’ll be happy to hear that it has been rescheduled for this coming Sunday Feb. 23.

If you’re curious about the value of a favorite piece, you’re invited to bring it in and Frank and Greg Palma will take a look at it, and share their expertise and insight into the history and value of the item.

The program begins at 2 p.m. at the Webster Museum, 18 Lapham Park in the village. There’s no admission charge, and free refreshments will be served.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 2/17/2025)

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Antiques Roadshow returns to the Webster Museum

9 Feb

The Webster Museum is bringing back the very popular Antiques and Collectibles Roadshow, featuring Frank and Greg Palma, on Sunday, Feb. 16 beginning at 2 p.m.

If you’re curious about the value of a favorite piece, you’re invited to bring it in and the Palma brothers will share their expertise and insight into the history and value of the item.

There’s no admission, and free refreshments will be provided.

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And while you’re at the museum, make sure to check out their latest exhibit, Let it Snow!, celebrating winter in Webster in the days before remote car starters, heated seats and snowblowers.

A significant part of the exhibit will feature winter clothing. Until the 19th century, winter attire more often consisted of a cloak than a sleeved jacket or coat. Wool was the predominant material of choice for both cloaks and coats, and while it provided a measure of insulation, wool tended to be heavy especially when wet.

Outdoorsman, inventor and retailer Eddie Bauer developed the first quilted down jacket in 1939 after a run-in with hypothermia on a chilly hunting trip. Since the 1930s, the development of lightweight, waterproof, and less expensive synthetic materials further impacted the way we all dress on those cold winter days in Webster.

Read more about vintage winter wear and Webster snow sports at the Let it Snow exhibit, on display now.

The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster. It’s open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 2/9/2025)


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Museum Tree Festival winners announced

4 Jan

The 2024 Webster Museum Festival of Trees has concluded, and after counting and re-counting, the winners have been announced.

This year’s contest included 19 beautifully decorated mini-trees, from these organizations and individuals:

  • American Legion Post 942
  • Country Gardeners of Webster
  • Gwen Hoffman
  • Jack’s Foundation
  • Lala of Webster
  • Museum Volunteers
  • Webster Arboretum
  • Webster Association of Senior Program Supporters
  • Webster Citizens Action League
  • Webster Comfort Care Home
  • Webster Community Chest
  • Webster Democratic Committee
  • Webster Firemen’s Ladies Auxiliary
  • Webster Garlic Fest (Wreaths Across America)
  • Webster Grange
  • Webster Presbyterian Church – Rachel Circle
  • Webster Quilt Guild
  • Webster Republican Committee
  • Well Field Preservation Commission

More than 500 votes were tallied in person and online, and I can tell you from personal experience, it was not an easy choice. But ultimately, the top winner really blew away the rest of the competition.

Webster Comfort Care
Webster Arboretum

Taking first place this year, with an amazing 99 votes, was the tree created by the Webster Comfort Care Home. (This is the second year in a row that Webster Comfort Care took the top spot.) In not-so-close second place was the Webster Arboretum with 53 votes. Both winners will receive $25 prize money.

Two other entries were SO CLOSE to taking second that they’ve earned Honorable Mention status: Jack’s Foundation, with 50 votes and the American Legion with 47 votes.

Jack’s Foundation
American Legion
Memory Tree

A new addition to the festival this year also proved very popular: a Memory Tree, where visitors to the museum could hang an ornament with the name of a lost loved one or pet.

The Webster Museum hosts the very popular Festival of Trees every year. Voting typically opens in early December on the day of Winter Wonderland in the Village and runs through the end of the year. It offers a great chance for local organizations to have a little fun with tree decorating, while drawing some attention to their cause. And having almost two dozen beautifully lit and decorated trees sprinkled throughout the museum makes the museum sparkle during the holidays.

Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to everyone who participated.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 1/4/2025)

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Winter Wonderland at the Museum

3 Dec

A few days ago I posted a blog with all (OK, most) of the details about this weekend’s Winter Wonderland festival in the Village of Webster. But I’d like to pull out for special attention a few things that are going on at the Webster Museum that day.

See, what I’ve discovered is that even though the Webster Museum has been around for many, many years, a lot of people still don’t know it even exists. And they’re especially surprised to learn that the museum is only about 20 steps off East Main Street on Lapham Park.

So if you’re one of those people, here’s your personal invitation to stop by the Webster Museum this Saturday Dec. 7 during Winter Wonderland. Here’s what they have going on:

  • The Museum’s Festival of Trees begins when the museum opens at 2 p.m. Continuing through the end of the year, visitors can vote for their favorite decorated mini-Christmas tree among 17 creative entries. (Online voting will also be available on the museum website.)
  • New this year, the museum will also feature a Memory Tree, where you can add an ornament with the name of a lost loved one or pet.
  • The Kittelberger “Bouquet a Month for a Year” flower cards will be available. For just $40, the card entitles you to one fresh bouquet every month for a year.
  • The holiday raffle returns with all sorts of wonderful prizes donated by Webster merchants. Cost is three tickets for $5.
  • And finally, you have to stop by the museum if just to see the beautiful and historic Burkardt Family Crèche in person. Each piece was meticulously carved between World War I and World War II, beginning in 1918 and completing the final piece in 1944. It offers more than a view of the nativity; it also tells a story of craftsmanship, survival, and family devotion. Read the whole story here, then see it for yourself at the museum.

The Webster Museum will be open on Saturday Dec. 7, during Winter Wonderland, from 2 to 6 p.m. It’s located at 18 Lapham Park in the Village of Webster.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 12/3/2024)

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