The U.S. census is defined in Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution, calling for an “enumeration to be made of the populace within every subsequent term of 10 years.” The new Americans would be electing their peers to serve in the House of Representatives, with the number of representatives to be determined by the number of residents in each state, not exceeding one legislator for every 30,000 people. Read More...

March was Women’s History Month, and lately I have overheard a lot of human talk about women, suffrage, amendments to the Constitution, and equal rights. I quickly found out that this year is the 100th anniversary celebration of the Constitution’s 19th Amendment, which was passed by Congress on June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920. Read More...

I must tell you about the surprise I encountered during one of my recent third-floor night scampers — a VERY strange looking two-wheel bicycle with a huge (57 inch diameter) front wheel and, in comparison, a very small (17½-inch) back wheel. I haven’t, in my whole little mouse life, seen anything like it! Of course I had to find out more about this fascinating historical object. Read More...

On a recent night scamper I noticed new objects in two first-floor display areas. There are photographs, posters, and uniforms, surrounded by very interesting artifacts. I soon realized the exhibits are about the First World War, which started in 1914 and soon became a global conflict. No wonder it was called “The War to End All Wars.” Read More...

The garden is an important part of the Stroud Mansion, and on September 2, it again became a great place for families to visit, learn about life in colonial times — when children lived in the Stroud Mansion — and have some “Olde Time Fun!” This report will tell you about my adventures at that event, which shared the day with StroudFest. Read More...

I like to call myself a house mouse, but I also like to go outside. So, on a nice summer day, I sometimes sneak into the garden that surrounds the mansion. In May the MCHA’s Garden Club, which takes care of the garden, sponsored a plant sale. I was there. Nobody saw me, but I was there. Maybe you were, too — digging plants to transfer to your own garden. I hope you were! Read More...

While mice (and many other rodents) do not migrate to warmer climates in the winter, I am proud to report that due to my cunning mind and small size, I was able to “go south” for a short but wonderful adventure at the end of February. I accompanied our director Amy (i.e. I snuck into) the 37th Annual Small Museum Conference in Hyattsville, Md.! Read More...

Bread and butter crumbs are one of my favorites, and I try to imagine the life in the 1790s, with the big basement fireplace warm and steamy as the Stroud servants are busy making soup, baking bread and churning butter. You can see a butter churn in the kitchen, as well as a fascinating display of beautiful wooden butter mold presses. Read More...