Ever wonder what it would be like to experience a museum through the eyes of another person? -- Maybe a person whose life experiences and age are far different from your own? Recently, I decided to do just that.
Prior to viewing one of Palm Beach’s noted historical sites, Whitehall, I shared a set of thoughts with my niece and nephew to ponder. Whitehall was the incredible winter home of Henry Flagler, the founding partner of Standard Oil and East Coast Railway. At 15 and 17 years of age, their opinions and views of life are so different from my own.-- Call it experience, training, or jaded reality, we tend to view museums with a different perspective as we age.
With a request not to converse with one another, I informed them that I would interview each of them, individually, after experiencing this 1902 mansion. My goal was to get their candid response and, thus, see the manor through their eyes. Little did they realize that I was simultaneously watching them to “hear” what was not being said as we strolled through the immense showplace.
The results were quite interesting.
My nephew is the older of the two. His eyes darted from object-to-object, as we roamed the rooms. Often emitting an expression of wonderment, he would simultaneously point out a detail he wanted to share. There was a sense of near-pride in each discovery, as if the victor of a treasure hunt… Sometimes sharing his knowledge of the situation, sometimes pointing to the artifact’s value, and sometimes asking his uncle for an explanation.
The home is most opulent. It is a true catalog of fine architectural detail and furnishings. Every room is a near-masterpiece of design. As a veteran of the interior design industry, I was nearly woozy from the finery of it all. I think my nephew had similar feelings. Post-viewing, he shared that his dreams included being able to design or build a home of such elegance. Much like his uncle, he finds delight in architecture. With an admission of slight envy, he said he could easily live in such a home and feel comfortable. “Although, I would not build it quite this large. Nor would I have such a wide variety of decorative styles within one home,” he advised. “I think Mr. Flagler built this to impress his colleagues and exhibit his power in society,” he continued. “I would build something smaller and invest the rest of my finances in helping others through my work.” My nephew’s present goals include a career in genetics. The energy of youth and the passion to fulfill one’s dreams were prevalent and contagious.
At 15 years old, my niece viewed the experience from a totally different perspective. Observing the pace she travelled through the mansion, one would believe a fire drill had been sounded. The awe of what the next room might hold appeared of more value than viewing the present. Sounds of amazement were few; instead, it was an occasional sigh and the twitching of near-boredom. History appears to hold minimal value at this age.
Post-viewing, she shared that she, too, believed it was Mr. Flagler’s need to impress his friends that gave cause for such a fine home to be built. Inquiring if she would feel comfortable living within this home, the response was affirmative, but…”It would need to be much smaller and have a different set of furnishings.” She went on to reveal that her needs are much simpler, less frivolous. Her values include experiencing life, itself, rather than owning, “things”. ----A very eye-opening statement for such a young lady, indeed. She is not easily impressed. She demands authenticity substantiated by practicality. I believe her soul is much older than her smile.
I was the proud uncle. Both my nephew and niece expressed themselves fluidly and with much honesty. Each knew they had viewed something of notable character. Each had thoughts of why this home was built and why it should be maintained for future generations. Each had their own dreams of what their future might hold. Each expressed the importance of being successful, while still helping others. If they are a sample of our nation’s future, I believe we might have some promising horizons ahead.
With these “borrowed eyes” I saw the museum in a totally new perspective. One of reverence for the past, with hope for tomorrow.
This was a Moment in America.
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