The Memorial Hall Museum in Deerfield, Massachusetts, as photographed by the Allen sisters, piloted an exciting new concept in displaying artifacts when it opened in 1880: the period room. The original plan for Memorial Hall called for an “Old Bedroom.” The founders wished to emphasize to visitors the contrast between the pre-industrial past and the modern age. They were therefore comfortable including pre-industrial objects of different periods, such as 19th century braided rugs and ceramics, alongside early 18th century artifacts.
Allen, Frances and Mary, photographer. Memorial Hall Bedroom. Photograph. ca. 1900. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/1996-14-1587/. Accessed on December 5, 2024.
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