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Armadale Museum

2026-07-062026-06-29Sherry Felix3 Comments

The Museum of the Isles explores 1,500 years of Highland and Island history through the story of Clan Donald, from the medieval Lordship of the Isles and the Jacobite risings to crofting, clearance and emigration. Its galleries feature artefacts such as weapons, portraits, bagpipes, tools and household objects, alongside family-friendly trails, activities and exhibitions. Accredited by Museums Galleries Scotland and operated by the Clan Donald Lands Trust, the museum offers visitors an engaging look at the culture, struggles and global legacy of the Highlands and Islands. See this link: Visit the Museum of the Isles on Skye.

These illustrations of highlanders made me smile.

Merchant House

2026-01-142026-01-12Sherry Felix6 Comments

We went on a free tour of merchantshouse.org given by villagepreservation.org. We are members of the latter. Please sign the petition at actionnetwork.org/letters/save-the-merchants-house-museum-2?source=merchants-house-website. “In December, the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved a development next to the Merchant’s House Museum at 27 East 4th Street. It will destroy one of New York’s first landmarks. A home that was built in 1832 and that has remained intact, inside and out.”

An ornate black cast iron chair with leaf and grapevine patterns in a garden setting, surrounded by stone paving and greenery. — Merchent House Museum 1/8/2026

Close-up of green fruits hanging from leafy branches. — Merchent House Museum 1/8/2026

Yellow Submarine

2025-12-142025-12-14Sherry Felix3 Comments

I was surprised to hear that the Beatles’ Yellow Submarine (song) – Wikipedia was in Coney Island Creek, in the New York Harbor. Initially we drove out there to see the area and wildlife. I saw the Yellow Submarine on Google map and had to check it out. It is an old wreck that has nothing to do with the Beatles. It does have an interesting story. It was originally named Quester. Please read about the inventor and how it got there: Quester I – Wikipedia

Wreck of an old submarine, partially submerged in water, surrounded by trees and wildlife in Coney Island Creek. — Yellow Submarine in C oney Island Creek 12/4/2025

A sunken boat wreck, named Quester, partially submerged in Coney Island Creek with trees in the background and a colorful sky. — Yellow Submarine in C oney Island Creek 12/4/2025

Captain’s House in Chincoteague

2025-07-032025-07-03Sherry Felix7 Comments

I enjoyed Chincoteague-step-through-time-tours led by Cindy Faith so much I wanted to hear more. So we paid a visit to the Captain Timothy Hill’s House. Cindy is a docent there. We learned how the house was saved and moved. If there is a fire in the wooden chimney, they run out quickly. They pull on ropes attached to the chimney to get it away from the house.

Cindy told us one of the family’s stories. It was about a young girl, around 14 years old, who was much loved by them. The girl’s boyfriend took a job on a ship and sailed away for a while. Then he came back to town. He found out that the young girl was going to a dance with another boy. The jealous ex-boyfriend shot her and her mother. She was up all night attending to her wounded mother. The young girl seemed OK and only had a minor wound. Sometime during the night, the young girl passed away. Later her ex-boyfriend shot himself.

For Dan’s Thursday Doors: Carnival Doors – No Facilities

Exterior view of Captain Timothy Hill's House, showcasing its wooden log structure, open door, and welcoming sign. — Captain Timothy Hill House, Chincoteague 6/6/2025

Interior view of an old wooden door with peeling green paint, alongside a rustic barrel and a window letting in natural light. — Captain Timothy Hill House, Chincoteague 6/6/2025

Chincoteague Adventures

2025-06-252025-06-23Sherry FelixLeave a comment

Randy Birch told us a story during our Chincoteague Island Adventures boat tour. This story contradicts the one at the Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. He said that when Buckalew, the first fish and wildlife manager, was shot it didn’t happen the way they said. He told how his grandfather and a few other guys were out illegally duck hunting before the season. They saw Buckalew coming and one of them fired off some buckshot which severely injured Buckalew. He said his grandpa helped get Buckalew back to town. When it came time for the trial Randy’s grandfather’s role in the events was left out. This was Buckalew’s way of saying thank you to Randy’s grandfather for having saved his life. I love local stories like this. Randy had more.

Cindy Faith, who we did a history walk with told us a few stories too. She is a terrific guide and very knowledgeable.

The cages to save the baby plovers from predation are an excellent invention. We need more of these on other beaches where they nest.

A display featuring a brown suit jacket, a hat, and a revolver, with background images and information about Buckalew, the first Refuge Manager. — Chincoteague NWR vistiors center 6/6/2025

A black and white bird perched on a wire enclosure on a sandy beach with grass and a serene ocean backdrop. — Chincoteague NWR vistiors center 6/6/2025

Chincoteague Museum

2025-06-202025-06-15Sherry Felix4 Comments

In the afternoon of June 3, 2025 we paid a visit to the charming little local museum. Exhibits cover the entire history of the island from prehistoric times to today. The exhibits include the first-order Fresnel lens from the Assateague Light. The museum is also the home of the taxidermied bodies of the Chincoteague ponies Misty and Stormy. They are portrayed in the award-winning series of books by Marguerite Henry. They are also featured in the children’s classic film “Misty of Chincoteague”. Other exhibits focus on the island’s oyster industry and its maritime history. The historic role of islanders as watermen, light keepers, and shipwreck rescuers is also showcased. I’ll cover the marvelous duck decoy shop in a later post.

Display showcasing artifacts related to the First People, including tools and crafted items, in a museum setting. — Chincoteague Museum 6/3/2025

Informational panel about Cigar Daisey, including photographs and text detailing his life, work as a carver, and contributions to wildlife conservation. — Chincoteague Museum 6/3/2025

USS Maine

2025-05-042025-04-27Sherry Felix4 Comments

A monument on the SW corner of Central Park.
To see more about the USS Maine click the link: USS Maine (1889) – Wikipedia.
And here is about the sculpture: USS Maine National Monument – Wikipedia

A golden sculpture of a figure with a crown, holding a staff, alongside a rearing horse, located on the southwest corner of Central Park. — USS Maine Monument, Central Park 4/16/2025

A detailed sculpture featuring figures and a fountain located at the southwest corner of Central Park. — USS Maine Monument, Central Park 4/16/2025

Old Lahaina Luau in Maui

2022-12-072022-12-17Sherry Felix3 Comments

The Old Lahaina Luau (check out this link – lots of information) is the most authentic and traditional one in Maui. I loved that they covered the history of the dance and more. It was educational as well as entertaining. The excellent servers were gorgeous and the food top notch. It just kept coming…