Tuneful Treasures - Discovering Musical Instruments in American Collections Thursday, July 25, 2024, 6-7 PM in the Lawrence J. Yerdon Visitors Center Join Darcy Kuronen, Former Curator of Musical Instruments at the Museum of Fine Arts, for engaging anecdotes from his long career of working with historical instruments in collections throughout the United States, including examples at Strawbery Banke Museum. Kuronen describes how he came to work in this unusual but fascinating field and shares some of the remarkable stories behind rare instruments he discovered and researched, from the earliest American harmonica to a handsome upright piano made in 18th-century Ireland. Members $15; Nonmembers: 20. About The Mark Connolly Distinguished Speaker Series: The Mark Connolly Distinguished Speaker Series honors the legacy of Mark Connolly, a former Strawbery Banke Museum Trustee and prominent figure in finance, literature, and politics. In April 2019, following his passing, the Museum embarked on a mission to commemorate Connolly's memory and continue his dedication to intellectual discourse and civic engagement. Connolly’s varied career, including roles as Director of the New Hampshire Bureau of Securities, an accomplished author, and a Democratic candidate for Governor, exemplified his unwavering commitment to public service and belief in the transformative power of education and dialogue. Inspired by Connolly’s enduring spirit, Strawbery Banke initiated the distinguished lecture series to provide a platform for leading national speakers to explore a wide range of topics, from history and art to politics and current events. The Mark Connolly Distinguished Speakers Series aims to spark thought-provoking discussions and nurture intellectual curiosity within the community, ensuring that Connolly's legacy of civic responsibility and the pursuit of knowledge continues to inspire future generations.