November at Higgins Armory Museum - Create a Fairy House with Artist, Hilary Scott

Artist Hilary Scott will be at Higgins again in November to work with a group of visitors. This time they will construct a fairy house (space limited, see info). There will also be an all night game party on Nov. 13 with special discounts for WOO card holders and people who wear costumes.

November looks like a busy month for the Higgins with CastleKids Story Hour, sword play classes, special events for girl scouts, the 'Living Timeline' demonstrations and (as always) the completely awesome Historic Combat Demonstrations. It's a good place to get away from the cold, wet weather that's coming our way.

Visiting Higgins

The Higgins Armory Museum is located at 100 Barber Ave.,Worcester, MA
On the web: www.higgins.org
Phone: 508/853-6015
Hours are Tues.-Sat., 10 am – 4 pm, Sun. from noon – 4 pm.
NEW ADMISSION PRICES: Adults, $10; children (age 4-16), $7; members and children, ages 3 and under, free. All programs are free with museum admission unless otherwise noted.

November Events at Higgins

Thurs., Nov. 26:  Museum Closed for Thanksgiving

Create a Fairy House

Sat., Nov. 7, 1 – 2:30 pm
$25 per person, $20 for members

Artist Hilary Scott, creator of the fantastical creatures in Beyond Belief: The Curious Collection of Professor Rufus Excalibur Bell, helps visitors create a fairy dwelling. Open to ages 12 and up. Space is limited. For more information, call 508-853-6015x20.

School of Swordplay Classes

Beginning Tues., Nov. 3, 6:30 – 8 pm
Tuition for eight classes: $180 ($150 for museum members)

Learn how to wield the knightly longsword or the musketeer's deadly rapier at the Higgins Academy of the Sword. Students receive expert instruction in rapier, longsword, and dueling sabre, as well as the classical forms of modern fencing weapons. Builds overall fitness and coordination. Class meets every Tuesday and Thursday evening. The class is open to age 16 and up; a separate youth course (age 14-18) meets Thursdays 5-6pm. No equipment required.   To enroll, contact Rhonda Houle at (508) 853-6015, ext 20, or higgins@higgins.org.

Live Arms and Armor Show

Saturdays: Nov. 7, 2 pm; Nov. 28, 1 & 2:30 pm
Sundays, Nov. 1, Nov. 8, Nov. 15, Nov. 22, Nov. 29: 12:30 pm & 2:30 pm;
Friday, Nov. 27:  11:30 am, 1:30 pm, & 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.

Gaming Knight

Fri., Nov. 13, 7 pm – 7 am
$15, $10 museum members & WOO card holders; $2 off for wearing costume.

Gamers of all ages score knight moves during this overnight at the Higgins.  Games of all kinds - board games, collectible games, miniature games, role-playing games and more – are available to play.  Favorites include Settlers of Catan, Munchkin, Carcassonne, Axis and Allies, Diplomacy, Killer Bunnies, Guillotine, and more.  Visitors can bring their own to share. Munchies and soda provided.

ONGOING PROGRAMMING

CastleKids Story Hour

Wed., Nov. 4, 1 pm
$5.00 member adult/child pair, $9.00 non-member adult/child pair

From damsels in distress to mighty dragons, this story hour in the medieval Great Hall features tales of adventure, from well-known fairy tales to modern picture books. Includes snack and craft.

Medieval Maidens for Junior Girl Scouts

Sat., Nov. 7 & Nov. 14, 10 am – 12:30 pm
$15 for girls, $8 for adults

Earn the new Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts Council’s Medieval Maidens Patches. Learn tales of make-believe and discover true stories about the lives of medieval girls and women. Includes a museum tour and craft. Advance registration required at (508) 853-6015, ext 20.

Company of the Wolfe Argent

Sat., Nov. 7, 11 am & noon
Free with museum admission

Representing a company of 15th century Burgundian men-at-arms, this group employs period clothing and weaponry to offer a lively glimpse of arms and armor, society, and daily life in the late Middle Ages.

Historic Combat Demonstration

Sat., Nov. 7, 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.

Arming a Gothic Knight & a Modern Day Soldier

Wed., Nov. 11, 12:30 pm & 2 pm
Free with museum admission

Unlike depictions of the clumsy knight in movies, fighters in full suits of chain mail or plate armor can do cartwheels, leap up from the ground, and even sprint. This program compares armor of the past with what American troops might wear today.

14th Century Knight: Armor in Transition

Sat., Nov. 13 & 28, 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

Nov. 13, 2 pm
Free with museum admission

A Roman living history group that portrays the famous Legion based in Alexandria, Egypt during the Flavian period (60-100 AD/CE), this group features Legionary and Auxiliary soldiers. Learn about the Legion's history, weapons, tactics and daily life

Living Timeline

Sat., Nov., 21, all day
Free with museum admission

The past fast forwards to the present in this “living timeline” demonstrating armor and battle techniques throughout history.  Participants include medieval soldiers, Viking warriors, Roman legionnaires, a historic combat demonstration, and a reenactment by the Salem Light Infantry, representing 17th century American colonists.

Medieval Maidens for Brownie Girl Scouts

Sat., Nov. 21, 10 am – 12:30 pm
$15 for girls, $8 for adults

Earn the new Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts Council’s Medieval Maidens Patches. Learn tales of make-believe and discover true stories about the lives of medieval girls and women. Includes museum tour and craft. Advance registration required; call (508) 853-6015, ext 20.

Make-Your-Own Shield Workshop

Fri., Nov. 27 & Sat., Nov. 28, all day
$5 per shield

Discover the history of heraldry and create a unique heraldic shield. Learn about the symbols on shields and what colors represent courage, generosity, loyalty, or hope. Workshop designed for children and a parent or guardian.