Throughout the year, many different groups and gilds have helped the Museum with our celebration on the current exhibition – Authors of the Ardens. On Sunday, May 15th , the Ardensingers capped this event-filled year with a rousing performance of Grubb’s Corner, an operetta with lyrics by Frank Stephens set to the music of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Stephens wrote the piece to tell the story behind all the groups involved in the settlement of this area, although it contains only a little actual history – it is mainly all about the music. The operetta debuted in 1932 and was last performed around 1992. There are Quakers, Swedes, Dutch, English, pirates, and Native Americans all mixed together in the story. Fortunately the Ardensingers provided identifying signs so each group could be recognized!

The Ardensingers gave a splendid performance full of energy and enthusiasm. Although they were packed into the Museum galleries they did not let that hindered their efforts. The audience really appreciated all the hard work and all the splendid music. Many thanks to the Ardensingers for their performance – they made one of our most well known authors come alive. Frank Stephens would have loved it!

A number Arden Craft Shop Museum volunteers hosted a group of visitors from Rose Valley, PA in May. The group, called the Rose Tree Gardeners, was keen to see the beautiful gardens of the Ardens and learn more about the rich history of arts and crafts in the villages.

The group visited five private gardens and four public gardens despite the rain that persisted throughout the day. They ended their tour at the Arden Craft Shop Museum, where we hope they warmed up and learned much about the history of the Ardens.