MIDDLEBURY — Beginning this month, the Henry Sheldon Museum is launching a new series, “Hidden Treasures.” Each month, the museum will feature a different object from the Sheldon’s collection. Some of these treasures are “hiding” in plain view, while others are new to the collection.
Several of the selected objects have been in storage for decades and are rarely or never seen by visitors. The Sheldon staff and trustees will offer a peek at these treasures, one on view each month. A brief 30-minute gallery talk about each hidden treasure will be presented on the second Saturday of each month at noon. Many of the talks will reveal newly discovered, fascinating information.
The first of these treasures is a large, full-size portrait of Abby Victoria Painter (1796-1818). Abby was the daughter of Gamaiel Painter, a key figure in the founding of the town of Middlebury and Middlebury College. Pieter Broucke, Sheldon trustee and Middlebury College Professor of History of Art and Architecture/Director of the Arts, selected this inaugural object. 
On this Saturday, May 11, at noon, Professor Broucke will share his interpretation and knowledge about the portrait of Abby Painter. Families are encouraged to attend. The Saturday gallery talks are free with museum admission. Visit the Sheldon’s website, henrysheldonmuseum.org, for information about the Hidden Treasures series schedule.
The Henry Sheldon Museum offers a diverse, in-depth look at the history and art of the mid-Lake Champlain region of Vermont. The museum is located at 1 Park St. in downtown Middlebury across from the Ilsley Library. Museum hours: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Research Center hours: Thurs. and Fri. 1-5 p.m. Admission to the Museum is $5 Adults; $3 Youth (6-18); $4.50 Seniors; $12 Family; $5 Research Center. For more information call 802-388-2117 or visit henrysheldonmuseum.org.