Stump the Scientist

A good crowd comes out to do just that for show-and-tell at the Historical Society Museum.

Despite the frosty January wind outside, the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society (VHAS) glowed during an evening of archaeology, mystery items, family stories, and an adult version of Show-and-Tell.

Archaeologist and VHAS Trustee Alan Mounier offered up mystery objects, both from the museum and his personal collection, for the audience to handle and guess the use.Alan talked about his 50+ years in the archaeology field and answered questions from participants.

Several members shared their objects. Joe Hunter of Vineland, pictured here, brought a treasured family heirloom—a shillelagh made of blackthorn, a native Irish wood. It was brought to America by an Irish ancestor.

Cathy Flaherty of Elmer stumped Alan with a mystery item from a doctor’s estate. The wooden object resembles an ice cream scoop, two metal strips lining the inside of the bowl. The handle ends in a sharp point inside the bowl.  “No clue” was Alan’s guess. Not all mysteries are meant to be solved! 

The Vineland Historical Society is located at 108 S. 7th Street, Vineland. For more information and to view upcoming events, visit the website www.discovervinelandhistory.org.