How do older technologies stack up against today’s electronic gadgetry? Find out in an interactive presentation, “How Did They Use That,” with San Bernardino County Museum Curator of History Michele Nielsen at the John Rains House on Friday, February 17 at 1:00 p.m. The presentation is free.
“This is a great opportunity for visitors of all ages to explore technology over time,” said Nielsen. “Together we’ll look at historic objects from the museum’s study collections and see just how well they worked for the jobs they were meant to do—tasks that may or may not be part of today’s world. Come try your hand at an old-fashioned way to make a tasty treat, and explore written communication before the personal computer.”
“When you think it over, people living long ago wanted many of the same things we want today like clothing to wear, hair styles that reflect the latest trends, good-tasting food, ways to communicate with other people,” continued Nielsen. “In the past, people did many of the same things we do today, just using different tools. Those tools are the focus of our presentation.”
The John Rains House is a historic site of the San Bernardino County Museum at 8810 Hemlock in Rancho Cucamonga. The fired-brick house was built in 1860 on the Cucamonga Rancho by John Rains and his wife, Maria Merced Williams Rains. The house and grounds became the property of the County of San Bernardino in 1971. Ample parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.
The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.