Please join the Historical Society of Kent County on Friday, June 1 as we present, As Precious as Gold: A History of Tea Caddies from The Bramble Collection, a talk by Mark Bramble. The title refers to the fact that tea was literally more precious than gold in the 18th century. The tea caddy collection was built over two generations and includes more than 400 examples, spanning the period from 1700 to the present. Marnie Bramble, of Chestertown, started the collection more than half a century ago, and enjoined her youngest son, Mark, in her hobby. As an author and theatre director Mark travelled the world putting on productions of his shows, which has provided unique opportunities for collecting, which is the subject of his book, A Tea Caddy Collection, recently published by Schiffer Publishing. With slides and anecdotes, he will take us through the history of tea and tea caddies from 1700 to the present.

The tea caddies are currently on exhibit at the Historic Odessa Foundation’s 18th century houses in Odessa, Delaware.

The exhibition continues through the end of August and features over 200 examples from The Bramble Collection.

History Happy Hour
Bordley History Center
301 High Street
Friday, June 1, 4 PM

Please join us at the Bordley History Center, 301 High Street, at 4 PM on May 4th for the Historical Society of Kent County’s “History Happy Hour.” Steve Frohock and Lynn McLain will take on “Fireworks & Various Other Sparks,” a discussion of this area’s extensive connections to explosives and pyrotechnics. The history of fireworks and munitions in Chestertown is varied and vivid. While most have heard about the explosion at Kent Manufacturing in 1954, and all are aware of the interest Washington College has in celebrating with fireworks, the story actually goes back well over 100 years.

We hope to see you there! Come early as seats will fill up quickly.

Please join us at the Bordley History Center as we celebrate Women’s History Month by hosting author Lauren Silberman. Ms. Silberman is the deputy director for Historic London Town and Gardens. She is the author of Wild Women of Maryland, Wicked Baltimore, and The Jewish Community of Baltimore.

Lauren’s talk will center on her completed research for Wild Women of Maryland. This award winning book delves deeper into the lives of the daring women of Maryland who made their mark on history as spies, would-be queens and fiery suffragettes. Sarah Wilson escaped indentured servitude in Frederick by impersonating the queen’s sister. In Cumberland, Sallie Pollock smuggled letters for top Confederate officials. Baltimore journalist Marguerite Harrison snuck into Russia to report conditions there after World War I. From famous figures like Harriet Tubman to unsung heroines like “Lady Law” Violet Hill Whyte, author Lauren Silberman will introduce Kent County to Maryland’s most tenacious and adventurous women.

We hope to see you there! For more information call the Historical Society of Kent County 410-778-3499 or visit our Facebook page. 

Bordley History Center, 301 High Street, Friday, March 2nd at 4 PM

Please arrive early to ensure a seat!