Recent Events
McGuffey Museum Celebrates Birthday
with Gingerbread House and Bagpiper
Unveiling a scale model gingerbread house amidst the sounds of a Scottish bagpiper, McGuffey Museum recently celebrated the 209th birthday of William Holmes McGuffey on the campus of Miami University. Mary Johnson, chef at Miami’s Panache restaurant and creative genius behind gingerbread replicas of Upham Hall and Lewis Place, utilized a variety of ingredients to create her architectural concoction of the McGuffey House. Modeled on the original appearance of the federal vernacular style brick house when built in 1833, the house features a cedar shingle roof replicated in Wheat Thins ™ and an illuminated interior furnished with 19th century candy chairs, tables and beds. Johnson’s attention to detail even includes McGuffey’s famous octagonal desk. When asked how many hours she spent making the house, Johnson simply noted she had not taken the time to calculate a number.
Visitors to the museum were greeted by the sounds and authentic dress of Miami’s resident bagpiper, Sarah Day, a senior engineering major at Miami University. As president of The Highland Pipes and Drums of Miami, Day enjoys sharing her interest in Scottish culture and hopes the Scottish traditions can continue at Miami.
The Gingerbread House will be on display at McGuffey Museum through December 31.