Button Expert To Offer Lunch-Time Lecture

WATERBURY — Millicent Safro, an expert on the art and history of buttons, will present the fifth annual Frederick G. Mason Lunch-Time Lecture to celebrate the recent gift of 15,000 buttons by The Waterbury Companies to the museum on Thursday, June 21, at noon, at Mattatuck Museum.

Ms Safro is the owner of Tender Buttons in New York City and Chicago. The unique museum-like shops are devoted to art of the button. She the author of Buttons — A History of Buttons from the 18th through the 20th Century, among other works.

In addition, Ms Safro serves as a consultant to the museums, auction houses and publishers. Buttons are not only Ms Safro’s business but her passion as well.

Admission to the noontime program is $5. Attendees will get to view the museum’s latest acquisition of over 10,000 buttons from a fascinating collection donated by The Waterbury Companies. The collection includes buttons made for George Washington, Egyptian and Oriental buttons, and buttons depicting fairytales and animals.

The lecture is being presented as part of the annual Frederick G. Mason Lecture Series. Mr Mason was a former secretary of Mattatuck Historical Society who worked for the Chase Company as Chief of Stores. The Mason lectures are endowed by Frederick G. Mason, Jr in honor of his late father.

Mattatuck Museum is at 144 West Main Street in Waterbury, and can be contacted for further information by calling 203-753-0381.