Coming up at Higgins Armory Museum

A complete list of museum programming is at www.higgins.org. The Higgins Armory Museum is located at 100 Barber Avenue; 508/853-6015. Admission: $9, adults; $7, children ages 6-16; $8, seniors, age 60+; free, children 5 and under, and members.

Museum OverKnight
Fri., May 22, 5:30 pm – Sat., May 23, 9 am
$135 adult/child pair; members $110

Taking a page from the hit movie, “A Night at the Museum”, the Higgins offers an exciting “overknight” for visitors. The night includes exploring the Higgins’ galleries, a pizza party in the Great Hall, and a chance to see the “Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian” at a local movie theatre. Games, crafts and a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum are included. Dressing as your favorite character from the film is optional. Price includes all activities, transportation to and from the theatre, movie, dinner, snack and continental breakfast for one adult and child. Make reservations by calling Rhonda Houle at 508/853-6015, ext. 20.

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COMING IN JUNE
New Exhibition:
“Beyond Belief: The Curious Collection of Professor Rufus Excalibur Bell”
Public Opening: Sat., June 20

Explore the amazing world of Professor Rufus Bell, the Higgins’ “Curator of Curiosities.” Dragons, fairies, gargoyles, the wings of Daedalus, and a myriad of mythical and fantastic creatures great and small come to life through the artistry of Boston artist Hilary Scott. The artifacts, specimens, and equipment that the Professor collects will be displayed, including his Minuscule Winged Specimen Influxator (a fairy vacuum). An adventure for the entire family.

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ONGOING PROGRAMS

14th Century Knight: Armor in Transition
Sat., May 9, 11:30 am
Free with museum admission

Why did knights change from using mail armor to plate? Why did it take nearly 150 years? These are just some of the questions answered in this program focusing on the evolution of knightly armor.


Legio III Cyrenaica Roman Legion
Sat., May 9, 2 pm
Free with museum admission

Meet members of the famed Roman legion based in Egypt from 60-100 AD/CE, portrayed by a living history group. Learn about the Legion’s history, weapons, tactics and daily life in this engaging presentation.


Viking Warrior Presentation
Sat., May 16, 2 pm
Free with museum admission

A dominant force in Europe for centuries, the Vikings still fascinate the contemporary world. Explore the culture, daily life, and military equipment of this legendary and fearsome society.


Historic Combat Demonstration
Sat., May 16 & 30
1 pm, 3 pm
Free with museum admission

The subtle skills of attack, parry, and grapple are brought alive by Higgins Armory Sword Guild as they demonstrate the knightly arts in a recreation of a medieval combat school.


Live Arms and Armor Show
Sat., May 9, 12:30 pm; May 16, 11:30 am; May 23, 11:30 am
Sun., May 10, 17, 24 & 31: 12:30 & 2:30 pm
Free with museum admission

This interactive program covers the history of armor, from its evolution as mail to plate armor to its disappearance, then modern reappearance on the battlefield. Volunteers from the audience may help with the demonstration.


Boudica
Sat., May 23, 11:30 am

Hear the story of Queen Boudica, one of the great forgotten women of history and queen of England’s Iceni tribe. Boudica led an army against the Roman Empire in Britain during the first century CE.


Medieval Soldier
Sat., May 23, 2 pm
Free with museum admission

Discover the role of the none-knightly class, the common infantry man, on the medieval battle field. See examples of a soldier’s equipment and how it differed from that of the armored knight. Learn about the importance of the common soldier in effecting the development of knightly armor and the changing roles of the knight and soldier in battle.


Train with a Medieval Soldier
Sat., May 23, 3 pm
Free with museum admission

Experience a medieval soldier’s life by joining a 14th century soldier for a weapon drill. A part of every soldier’s routine is drilling. Much like every modern athlete’s practice, soldiers train for the same reasons: to learn how to be part of a team.


Medieval Knight Presentation
Sat., May 30, 11:30 am
Free with museum admission

Meet a medieval knight of the crusading era and learn how his equipment differs from so-called “knights in shining armor.” Learn about the origins of knighthood and our perceptions of it as well as the origins of the Knightly Code of Honor and Chivalry.


Viking Warrior Presentation
Sat., May 30, 2 pm
Free with museum admission

A dominant force in Europe for centuries, the Vikings still fascinate the contemporary world. Explore the culture, daily life, and military equipment of this legendary and fearsome society.