Have you ever succumbed to the insatiable desire to touch artifacts in a museum exhibit?  At Menokin, we understand this need and not only allow, but encourage visitors to gently touch or handle artifacts.

Holding an object in your hand connects you with the person that made it hundreds of years ago. What was moments ago just a nail, is now a time machine zooming you back to 1769 when blacksmiths pounded out nails for use in the construction of Menokin. The questions pop into your head…who made this nail?….was he free or enslaved?…how many nails did he make on the day that this nail was forged?…what other parts of the house did he create?

The nail is no longer an object. It is a catalyst for a story. It provides a point of reference for us to find relevance and connectedness to that story. And allows us to reflect on our experiences today in contrast to the day-to-day life of the maker of this nail.

We are compelled to ask, am I touching the nail, or is the nail touching me?