Holiday Exhibit Model Train and Miniature Dollhouses and Dolls Opening Reception Thursday, December 1, 2005

Holiday Exhibit

Model Train and Miniature Dollhouses and Dolls
Opening reception Thursday, December 1, from 7 to 9 PM
Members Free. $5 for Non-members. Holiday Exhibit Donations Encouraged

The Bergen Museum ushers in the holiday season with a miniature dollhouse and model train exhibit beginning November 26th and running through January 12th 2006, according to Jim Bohan, chairman for the exhibit. A special opening reception will be held on Thursday, December 1, from 7 to 9 PM. Admission free to members, $5 to nonmembers.

Featured in the dual exhibit is a dollhouse built in the 1960 in an 18th century English Tudor style and 15 mini-room boxes designed and furnished by Helen DiLiberto, who has donated the display to the Museum’s permanent collection. She has made the mini-room boxes in various period-correct themes from assorted decades of the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition, she has included 35 dolls, each about 12” high, representing assorted nations. Helen, a resident of Washington Township and a member of Jersey Metro Minis, relates a story of how, as a child, she was given a dollhouse that was her treasure, but in later years left her possession – only to have it come back to her hands by sheer chance 50 years later, sparking anew an interest in designing, building and furnishing them

3 Dolls Doll House Circa 1910 Bedroom

Tudor Doll House Covered Wagon / Pioneer Wagon 1800’s

Ice Cream Shop Lionel Train

The accompanying model train exhibit is the brainchild of lifelong Fair Lawn resident Frank Vander Wiede. It will include several loops of Lionel trains, all running at the same time on Lionel track in an 8×24-foot layout, with multiple designs of engines and miniature towns. Hank, as he is known, has been working on these miniature trains as a hobbyist for the past 55 years, first on his own and later with his then-young son. He currently is a member of the Bergen County Model Railroad Club and Rockland Toy Trains.

“”Visitors to the Museum’s holiday exhibit can enjoy a peak into the past through the many dolls and miniature rooms depicting life styles of the early 1900’s to late century.” notes Peter Knipe, President of the Bergen Museum. “The display of collectible Lionel and HO trains is fully operational and is set up in a wonderful scene depicting an American rural community. It is a great opportunity for families to enjoy an exhibit of American craft and hobby at the Bergen Museum right here in Paramus.”

The Bergen Museum is located at the Bergen Mall, Lower Promenade, on Route 4 and Forest Avenue, Paramus. Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission (including opening reception) is free to members, $5 to nonmembers, and $3 to students. Seniors are free on Wednesdays.
For more information about the Museum,
visit www.facebook.com/bergenmuseum

Tudor Doll House – Front View

Lionel Red Engine Christmas Tree at Bergen Museum of Art & Science