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American Museum

barbara
barbara
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
Editor Pick

The American Museum in Britain

  • July 1, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by barbara from Atlanta, Georgia
The American Museum was founded by a small partnership of gentlemen who had strong ties to both the United States and the United Kingdom. In the interest of strengthening what has sometimes been called "the special relationship" forged between the two countries in the 20th century, the museum offers a glimpse into how Americans have lived since the New World was discovered.

Truthfully, I would not have visited this site if I was an American on holiday in England - If you're from the United States, you already know your country's story, and there are too many other things to see in Bath to take the time to visit here - but I am an American living in England. So I was curious about just how my country would be portrayed.

Conversely, if I was British, I might make a point of going to this museum...especially if I had never had the chance of making it across the pond. It really is interesting.

As it was, my son and I drove up Claverton Hill in Bath...up towards the university...and paid to go to the museum (7.50/adults, 4 pounds per child.) It has its own parking lot, which is fabulous...and...uh...pretty American.

My impressions?

Well, immediately it seemed fitting to me to see a plaque proclaiming that Winston Churchill made his very first political speech in Claverton Manor, the stately mansion in which the museum is housed, since the good prime minister's mother, Jennie, was actually from the United States... a fact that Churchill always proclaimed proudly.

The house holds the main collection and it's split into multiple floors. I completely enjoyed walking through the floor with several period rooms decorated in different styles to show the changes in furniture and fashion in colonial and federalist America. Members of staff are in each room to answer questions. The guide in the tavern was absolutely excellent. She pointed out the misconception about the Puritans in New England never drinking. They did drink, partly out of necessity because of poor water standards. They simply did not tolerate over-indulgence in this area.

My son and I enjoyed goofing around on another floor where you could dress up like pilgrims traveling on the Mayflower. (There were several interactive exhibits like this for children.)

Fortunately for us, we timed our visit to be right before the 4th of July, so there was a special event going on in the garden in back of the manor. (If there isn't an event, you still need to step back here. The view is amazing!!) The Crown Forces of 1776 were doing drills. A British commander gave us the run-down on what it was like for the Brits fighting in the colonies. It was a fun and interesting display complete with firing guns.

I was also amazed to see a Grandma Moses painting.

The Indians and other folk art are covered as well.

To check for upcoming events and temporary displays, visit the American Museum's website: www.americanmuseum.org.

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