On view at the Yager Museum
Baskets from the Willard Yager Collection
On July 5, 2006 the Yager Museum will have on view Baskets from the Willard Yager Collection. These baskets are a part of Willard E. Yager's collection, which was donated to the college in 1929. The collection as a whole includes over 5,800 artifacts as well as Yager's original catalogue records. Mr. Yager donated these objects to the college with the request that they be cared for and made available for others to see.
Museums not only care for objects but also the history of those objects. The goal of this exhibit is to generate discussion about objects and their meaning. Each of the baskets in the exhibit will be identified by a label that contains Mr. Yager's own notes. In the early history of museums, documentation was not considered as important as the objects. When items were donated information was shared orally, written down on small pieces of paper, or entered into bound catalogs. When Mr. Yager's collection was donated to the museum, we were fortunate enough to also receive his notes and catalogs.
Visitors will be asked to notice that the information he provides varies and this affects our understanding today of each piece. Is an object's history important to you? Each object label is a starting point; providing clues to search out further information. Come visit the exhibit and give us your comments about what is important.
The Yager Museum of Art & Culture located on the Hartwick College campus, is open from Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and academic holidays.
