Sea Cliff Village Museum and Senior Outreach Program collaborate to share history across the generations

In a celebration of history and community, the Sea Cliff Village Museum and the Sea Cliff Senior Outreach Program co-hosted a multigenerational event titled “Exploring Our History Through the Stories of Artifacts” on May 17. The initiative, coinciding with Older Americans Month, saw senior citizens sharing personal artifacts from their youth with local students, fostering intergenerational connections and a deeper appreciation for the past.

The event was the brainchild of Tracy Warzer, the senior citizens program development specialist, and Courtney Chambers, the museum director. It was designed to align with this year’s Older American Month’s theme, “Powered by Connection.”

Senior participants brought a variety of artifacts, each accompanied by stories that painted a vivid picture of life in earlier decades. Kay and Rick Vickers shared clothing from the late 1960s, sparking discussions about the cultural and social changes of that era.

These narratives not only highlighted personal histories but also touched upon broader historical contexts, including the anti-war movement. One particularly engaging moment occurred when students eagerly tried on the vintage clothing brought by the Vickers.

“When we got into the Vietnam War, they had the largest anti-war protest that had ever been held in U.S. history,” Kay Vickers explained. She went onto describe her experience getting arrested in a protest against the war, showing how the wider counterculture movement impacted people across the country.

This tangible interaction with history sparked curiosity and excitement among the seven young attendees.

The event also featured a variety of intriguing items found in local homes, such as canceled checks from the 1930s, a report card from the local high school from 1932, and even a vintage telegram. These artifacts offered a snapshot of everyday life in the past, highlighting how much has changed over the decades.

According to Chambers, the event was not just educational but also profoundly impactful on both the seniors and the students.

“It was really informative, and I think it helped to make the history fun for the kids,” she said. “It showed them how quickly time has changed, and how in their lifetime things can become so totally different.”

Warzer emphasized the significance of such events in integrating older adults into the fabric of community life.

“It’s all about connecting people, and the importance of connection for elders,” she noted. “On all levels we can make more effort to include elders in community, in programming and conversations, and of course imparting their wisdom to the youth.”

Due to the success of this event, plans are already in motion for a similar program in the fall.

“We’re looking forward to continuing this partnership,” Chambers said. “Events like these not only further the museum’s mission of promoting local history but also create a space for meaningful interactions that enrich our community.”