Every week the Stoughton Museum determines who is Stoughton's Coffee Row Genius. A fun idea brought to the museum by Anne Kernaleguen through her son David Charles, who works as a summer student at the museum, has grown in the last month.
Kernaleguen brought the idea forward after seeing the Weyburn Coffee Row Genius questions posed each week. Adjusted slightly it became a fun way for people to interact with the Stoughton Museum.
Lynne St. John at the museum explained the activity: "We set up a window display which hints at what the item is and what it's used for. We also say if it's for something specific like for animals or for ladies. It's difficult to identify them out of context."
Though the unveiling of the champion at 2 p.m. on Friday's each week were not extremely well attended the activity does bring in extra foot traffic as the window display draws people in.
"It's a chance to get people to come in and see the artifacts we have here," St. John explained.
In addition to drawing in foot traffic, the museum also brings the activity to the New Hope Lodge where the seniors are given the item to handle and make their guess as well. This, St. John says, is a good way to involve those at the lodge and as a result the unveiling of the weekly genius will become a weekly outing for those interested.
The Stoughton Coffee Row Genius may not win huge prizes, but sponsors have offered items to winners. Last week's winner, Muriel Tuffnel, properly guessed the item, a hair curler, and received a travel mug and keychain LED light. In addition to the prizes each week the winner is given a certificate stating they are the Stoughton Coffee Row Genius.
Though a senior from the lodge won last week, it is for any age to enjoy. Two weeks ago, a young girl in elementary school was walking by and excitedly told her grandma they had to go guess because she knew exactly what it was.
The museum itself is filled with relevant items donated by locals. They have set up different displays within the museum from a hair dresser's boutique to a kitchen and many more.
In its 25th year the museum has successfully preserved much of Stoughton's history. Operating as a non-profit organization through the town, St. John explains that those on the board are enthusiastic and always helpful and active which helps the museum succeed.
The Stoughton Coffee Row Genius will continue at the museum for the next month, while they are also looking forward to plans for hosting a Senior Appreciation in August as well as their 25th anniversary celebration.
