“We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

MILFORD – From advancements in technology to the harrowing story of a late 1800s bank robbery and some noted “extraordinary” local residents, the Milford Historical Society’s new exhibit has something to offer everyone.

The new display’s main theme is “And Now the Rest of the Story,” and it is set to open this weekend at the Carey House Museum near the Milford Oval.

The Historical Society’s first open house of the year is set for 2-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and includes another exhibit title “Our Ordinary, yet Extraordinary Neighbors.”

The exhibitions were developed and assembled by Charlie Annand, Marcia Nelson and Bonnie Gondola.

The “Rest of the Story” portion of the exhibit include a wall filled with technology and how it has changed over the years. From old typewriters and cameras to casette tapes and a record, the display truly shows how far society has come in the past 100 years. This is especially illustrated by with telephones, including an old rotary-dial tabletop model and a new smart phone. Another crank-style telephone is included in the overall exhibit, showing how far communication has come over the years.

A display case and wall is dedicated to fire department memorabilia, including a pair of old fire buckets used on bucket brigades. A few model fire engines are included, as well as helmets and other artifacts.

Another interesting portion of the new exhibit is a door and other items from the Great Bank Robbery of 1874.

On the opposite side of the room, is the “Our Ordinary, yet Extraordinary Neighbors” section, which highlights stories of Milford residents who have made a positive impact on society in the 20th and 21st century.

The initial three people included in this section, which will change over time, are:

Winifred Wright, founder of the World War II League of Army and Navy and the author of two books on Milford’s history.

Terry Lorden, co-founder of Playhouse 101, which eventually became the American Stage Festival.

Douglass Annand, author of “The Wheelchair Traveler” and advocate for the handicapped.

Denise Wright Fox, Annand and Gondola will all be on hand this weekend to answer questions about the new exhibit. Fox, Wright’s granddaughter, will have an audio tape of her grandmother with her for patrons to hear the story in Wright’s own words.

Gondola, who is the historian at the First Congregational Church, has done extensive research on Lorden, and Charlie Annand is Doug’s wife, and she accompanied him on many adventures, recording information about accessible accommodations.

Assisting with setting up the exhibit was George Nelson, along with five other volunteers to worked tirelessly over a two-month period to pull together the exhibit.

The Carey House Museum is located at 6 Union St. in Milford. For additional information, call 603-673-3385 or visit http://www.milfordhistory.com.

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