Beall-Dawson House Exhibits and Programs

103 W. Montgomery Avenue

Rockville

Tuesday-Sunday, 12-4

EXHIBIT:

Good Advice

March 25th - September 21
The Advice book falls somewhere between Self-Help and Instruction, being more specific than "think positively" but more general than "insert tab A into slot B." Advice book authors provide you with standards of behavior, and some suggestions at achieving these standards yourself. Through the centuries some problems have stayed constant, albeit with different solutions as technology and culture allow; other problems are specific to time and place.
The exhibit Good Advice will survey almost two hundred years of American advice books, aimed at helping us to improve our lives from top to bottom. Etiquette, medicine, and household management are particular favorites of advice book authors, and really, what more is there to life than health, good friends, and a pleasant home environment? In addition to the books themselves, examples of the material culture the authors espouse (or decry) - from calling cards and white gloves to patent medicines and marked linen - will be on display. Come explore the differences, and similarities, between the everyday worlds of Americans over time. And who knows, perhaps you'll pick up a few helpful hints yourself along the way.

EVENTS AND PROGRAMS:

Julia Child: America's Favorite French Chef

Sunday, April 13, 2008 at 4:00 p.m.

A chef and television star, Julia Child is frequently credited with revolutionizing the way mid-twentieth century Americans viewed food and cooking. In this costumed living history presentation, Mary Ann Jung portrays Child, who had both civilian and government careers before deciding later in life to study at Le Cordon Bleu Cooking School in post World War II Paris. Come learn the story of this groundbreaking and charismatic American woman.

While Julia Child may seem unrelated to MCHS, the staff felt that she was an appropriate program to go with the new exhibit, Good Advice. Julia Child's common sense culinary advice changed the way and what American housewives cooked. Program made possible by the Maryland Humanities Council. Free, but registration is required. Please call (301) 762-1492. In the Beall-Dawson House.