Second Saturday Workshop: Create Your Own Mineral Box

Experience a hands-on and creative workshop designed for all ages at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, where participants explore the art of collecting and display from the 19th century. The session begins with a guided tour of the historic Main House, focusing on Thomas Cole’s Box of Minerals and Artifacts in the newly opened Richard Sharp Gallery. Museum education staff will provide context about the history of collecting, the significance of natural curiosities, and how artists like Cole incorporated these objects into their artistic practice. Following the tour, participants will move to the Storehouse to construct their own handmade curio containers, designed for trinkets, found objects, or personal treasures. This interactive workshop encourages creativity, reflection, and engagement with history in a tactile, memorable way.

Discover the joy of combining historical inspiration with hands-on craft-making while learning about Cole’s artistic vision and collecting habits. Participants are encouraged to bring their own found objects to personalize their curio containers, making each creation unique and meaningful. The workshop fosters both learning and playful experimentation, giving families and individuals the opportunity to connect with art, history, and each other. Attendees leave with a handcrafted container, new knowledge about 19th-century collecting, and a deeper appreciation for the intersections of nature, art, and personal expression in Thomas Cole’s life and work.