‘Steampunk Party’ at Greene Co. museum steps into Victorian Era
WAYNESBURG – People visiting Greene County Historical Society Museum this weekend will feel like they have one foot in the Victorian Era.
Old-fashioned games such as croquet will be played and other quirky attractions will be part of the Steampunk Garden Party from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday during the unique festival at the museum on Rolling Meadows Road.
“We’re thinking outside the box to find ways to raise (money) and to have fun,” museum director Eben Williams said.
Steampunk is a science fiction subculture that integrates Victorian Era whimsy into the industrial steam power of the 19th century, then brings it forward into pop culture and the 21st century of gaming and high-tech gadgetry. For the historical society, it’s a perfect match of old and new, Williams said.
“The Greene County Historical Society has one of the largest Victorian-era museums in the county and it sits on an expansive and beautiful 19 acres,” he said. “So it is a wonderful venue for this type of event.”
Outside the museum Tuesday, administrative assistant Alexandra Johnson posed in true Steampunk fashion beside Waynie, the historic steam locomotive that once put the real steam into the industrial revolution in Greene County. Unfortunately, its old boiler is in need of repairs so it won’t be puffing and chugging at the garden party, Williams said, but it will still make for a great backdrop for guests in full Victorian regalia to take photos with.
Hit and miss engines will hopefully be up and running and the museum will be open for taking photographs against backdrops of 19th century memorabilia, gadgets and grand sitting rooms.
Period carnival games include beanbag throws, ring tosses and milk bottle knockdown, along with bocce and croquet on the lawn. There will be Steampunk vendors and art and costume contests.
Guests are encouraged to come in costume, pack a basket and enjoy a picnic on the museum grounds to celebrate International Picnic Day. Free refreshments will be served.
Entertainment is high Victorian whimsy as the Great Elixir Medicine Show from Pittsburgh preforms fire-eating stunts while also paying homage to Houdini and doing humorous renditions of sideshow attractions from the horse and buggy days. At 8 p.m., the electronic band Curse of Cassandra from Dayton, Ohio, will put on a show to end the evening.
Admission is $20 and there is a $5 entry fee for the art and costume contests. For more information, call the museum at 724-627-3204. Tickets can be purchased online by going to www.eventbrite.com and searching for “Steampunk” in the event search bar.