Nutcracker Museum
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www.kidslovenutcrackers.com and
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October 2018
Newsletter from The Nutcracker Lady
| Twenty three years ago the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum opened with the huge collection that George and I had amassed, for we wanted others to enjoy these fascinating items. We donated not only the nutcrackers, but the building, making it a non-profit corporation. Since then, others too have donated nutcrackers, making this one of the largest collections of nut cracking devices in the world. Our thanks go to these collectors, or the families of collectors who have been so generous in their donations to the museum. | |
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Pat and Andy Daly of Holmdel, New Jersey were two of the largest collectors of nutcrackers in the United States. After they passed away, family members donated many of their pieces to the museum. The Dalys traveled extensively, and attended many Steinbach and Ulbricht signings. |
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Francis Simeone of Massachusetts was a member of the US Nutcracker Collector Club, and collected both antique and wooden toy soldier nutcrackers. He traveled to Leavenworth several times to visit the museum, and when downsizing, sent much of his gigantic nutcracker collection to the museum. |
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Paul W Besche, Jr. of Chicago avidly collected Milford Design and when he downsized, the museum Milford display grew to include nearly every Milford nutcracker that was ever produced. And with Paul’s help the museum also has the complete Ulbricht Christmas Carol Series. |
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Richard Struck of Wisconsin had an immense collection
of utility and figural nutcrackers in various metals.
When his collection came into the museum we were able to provide a
hands-on alcove for the mechanically inclined visitors.
Mr. Struck was very proud of his pointer dog which was especially
painted for him. |
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William Susseine, from Pasco, Washington had visited the museum several times and wished his collection to join others here in the museum after he passed. He collected a variety of interesting nutcrackers, from many makers, in many materials, and sizes up to 6 feet tall. |
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Glenda Osborn and Louise Greiser had similar collections so we put them together making a colorful grouping. Many sporting figures including an African Safari hunter, all branches of the military, many international figures, and even a small nativity set are shown in this interesting and fun display!!! |
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The Steinbach aisle has grown through the larger donations of Rosemary and Glenn Schuler, Barbara S. Wood, Linda Amerson, the collectors mentioned above as well as many others. We have received the complete series of the Nutcracker Suite, the Biblical Series, the Three Wisemen, and Sherwood Forest. When we receive a duplicate series, it is used as a raffle with funds supporting a museum project. This year Sherwood Forest is being raffled to help support the museum expansion project scheduled to begin in 2019. |
| The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum appreciates any gift, large or small, and since the museum is a designated IRS non-profit organization, each donor receives an IRS tax deductible certificate just as those received when donating to the Salvation Army, Red Cross, etc. If nutcrackers received are already displayed in the museum, they will be sold in the gift shop with proceeds helping to support the museum. For more information click here. | |
|
Arlene Wagner,
The
Nutcracker Lady
|
07/23/21
Quick Links
Dogs that are able to be carried at all times may come into the museum.
Service animals are
always welcome.
Contact Us
735 Front Street
P.O. Box 2212
Leavenworth, WA 98826
(509) 548-4573
MUSEUM HOURS
11:00PM - 5:00PM Daily
We suggest visitors arrive at the museum at least 30 minutes before closing.
Nutcracker Museum Mission Statement:
"To foster and encourage the interest of the general public of the importance of nuts in the diets of humans throughout history and in the evolution of the nutcracker. No other tool or collectible has shown such a wide diversity of material and design as the implements used to crack the hard shell of a nut".
Museum Admission:
Adults - $5.00 (Ages 17 - 64yrs)
Seniors - $3.50
(Age 65yrs +)
Youth - $2.00 (Ages 6 - 16yrs)
Child - FREE (Ages 0 - 5yrs)
Active
Military - FREE (Spouse & Children Free with ID)
