Oh, boy. What a theme for a museum geek! In case you’re new to this blog, let me tell you that I work at 2 museums, one being a living history museum featuring 60 historic buildings depicting 19th century immigration to Wisconsin. In addition to that, my partner Steve & I sell books and other items gleaned from estate sales. We have quite an eclectic collection of various ‘relics’ of the 20th & 21st century in our home. Currently, the very home that we are renting – a duplex built in 1905 – is undergoing extensive upgrading: electrical system, roof, and paint so far. I am surrounded by relics, and I’m always looking for more! So….what to feature?
Perhaps a crumbling lime kiln I found at High Cliff State Park. It was in operation from 1870 -1956 on the eastern shore of Lake Winnebago….
Maybe Steve’s hiking boots – they’re not really that old, but they got a lot of wear last year when he worked as a mail carrier for the US Postal Service…
Or how about this corner of our living room, where we display some of our favorite oddities…
Actually, my very favorite photo for this theme isn’t one I took. It’s one someone else took of me. Old World Wisconsin runs a photo contest every year, and the first year I worked there, a photo of me won Best In Show. The featured relic in the photo is the 1839 Cathedral of the Diocese of the Territory of Wisconsin – St. Peter’s Church. The pump organ/harmonium/reed organ is from 1890. The stations of the cross are lithographs made in Germany between 1875 and 1900. The photographer is Jay Filter, and he gave me permission to feature his photo on my blog in 2012. Here it is again:
St. Peter’s Church at Old World Wisconsin. Photo by Jay Filter
scillagrace 
How fun. I must be a relic! When I lived in France I played a pump organ!!
Yes, I think those of us who are musical and churched become honorary relics as we carry on these traditions. 🙂 It really is so much fun playing that organ and singing in that space (especially a capella as the acoustics are like your miracle shower!).
I like all your relics….But you are, of course, my favourite.
Of course! I am the most animated relic in my collection. 🙂
I thought I detected a rustle coming from your bustle….
That photo of you is gorgeous, Scilla! As for hiking boots, the sole just fell off my most beloved boots. I finally had to throw them away… : (
There comes a time, I suppose, when well-traveled soles must go on to another place…. 😉