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Ornate red and ivory wall decoration, with plaque and symbols

Garnets: The Beauty and Utility of a Gem

Posted by: Francisco Macías

Because many of my ancestors were jewelers, I have always had a special interest in gemology and jewelry.  This month, since garnet is the official birthstone of January, I felt that it was apropos to dedicate some time to this semiprecious stone and mineral. It seems that the American National Association of Jewelers (Jewelers of …

Ornate red and ivory wall decoration, with plaque and symbols

The Rugby World Cup: Regulating the Party

Posted by: Kelly Buchanan

The 2011 Rugby World Cup kicked off in New Zealand on September 9th with a glittering opening ceremony followed by the first match between New Zealand and Tonga.  (Note that the New Zealand national rugby team is commonly called the “All Blacks.”)  I’ve had a couple of very busy weekends watching a number of the …

Ornate red and ivory wall decoration, with plaque and symbols

Happy (New Zealand) Birthday, Queen Elizabeth!

Posted by: Kelly Buchanan

The British Royal Family has been a quite a topic of conversation here in the U.S. this year, what with “that” wedding a few weeks ago.  Coming from a Commonwealth Realm I saw many references to Queen Elizabeth II and her family while I was growing up – her picture on our coins and notes, …

Ornate red and ivory wall decoration, with plaque and symbols

Celebrating Sign Language

Posted by: Kelly Buchanan

We often blog about different commemorative events, anniversaries, and holidays, with a particular focus on their legal and cultural history and on items in our collection.  I thought I would add to this collection of posts by highlighting New Zealand Sign Language Week – taking place this week, May 2-8. New Zealand Sign Language is …

Ornate red and ivory wall decoration, with plaque and symbols

Anzac Day – Lest We Forget

Posted by: Kelly Buchanan

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. From Laurence Binyon’s poem, For the Fallen (1914) Today, April 25, is Anzac Day – a public holiday in …