Portland State Magazine Winter 1991

• • • Art," he says. "Other objects are gifts and loans as well. We seek the highest possible quality to fit in with our collections. We don 't have acquisition funds , so we rely on donations." Jn a cheerful stenciled Connecticut bedroom of the l 830's, he points to the netted white canopy on the elegant four-poster bed, remarking, "It was made by a woman in Deerfield, Massachusetts-she's now 89 years old." Far from being a dusty, musty collection of old things, the American Museum brings each period of history to life through a skillful blend of sights, sounds and smells. This is especially evident as visitors descend to the captain's cabin of a whale ship, pass cowboy campfire scenes and follow the story of westward expansion. "The captain's cabin is an interesting variation on the period room," McNaught notes. William McNaught ('66 BA) (above photo) relaxes in the living room of his flat on the top floor ofCla verton Manor (pictured right) , which houses the American Museum in Britain. Stopping to inspect a more modest display of Northwest Coast Indian artifacts, including carved figures and wooden rattles, McNaught says he hopes to enlarge the exhibit. "I'd be quite happy to get more if anyone is interested in donating anything." He leads the way to the New Mexican room and up to Conkey's Tavern, from 1776, where visitors sample warm gingerbread made from George Washington's mother's recipe. Then it's on to Shaker and Pennsylvania German rooms, through a stately Greek Revival room, and into a richly furnished New Orleans bedroom. McNaught 's enthusiasm never wanes as he continually points out objects that catch his attention. "These rooms are brilliantly done," he observes. "One of my biggest jobs is to make sure more people find out about us," he says. PSU 21