Unusual on Display in Nabb Center's 'Unmentionable' Exhibit

SALISBURY, MD---Rarely seen and surprising artifacts from the Edward H. Nabb Research Center for Delmarva History and Culture are on display during the exhibition “Unmentionable: The Indiscreet Stories of Artifacts” January 31-June 5, in the Guerrieri Academic Commons’ G. Ray Thompson Gallery.

“Unmentionable” explores some of the unusual, scandalous, disturbing, awful, discriminatory, uncomfortable and surprising artifacts in the Nabb Research Center’s collection. Some of the items on display include mourning jewelry made with human hair, funerary and embalming tools, shackles, war souvenirs, bloodletting devices and advertisements featuring racial and gender stereotypes. In addition, no exhibit on unmentionables would be complete without a few vintage ladies’ undergarments.      

Artifacts can help tell the history of a community, but that story is not always a pleasant one. Conversely, some artifacts are just downright gross, uncomfortable or controversial, and they are rarely, if ever, displayed because of that. 

All together in one place, these artifacts make an intriguing statement about history, and how and what archives and museums collect.

Admission is free and the public is invited. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

All attendees at Salisbury University indoor events are required to wear a mask, regardless of vaccination status. Attendees may be asked to leave an event for non-compliance.

All attendees must complete an online COVID-19 screening on the day of their visit, prior to coming to the SU campus.

Those planning to park on campus must register in advance for a free parking pass online.

For more information call 410-543-6312 or visit the Nabb Center website.