#NewAndCool at HCHM! This beautiful Victorian Era black velvet cape was recently donated to the museum. The donor only knew it had been in his house and part of his family. So, who wore it? With the clues the donor was able to provide, research was conducted. The most likely possibility, given the date of the cape, is Marie Stephan Pishny (1841-1914). Marie was born in Czechia. She and her husband John F. Pishny came to the US in 1869. Marie died in Riley County, Kansas in 1914. From then on the cape was likely a treasured keepsake of first her daughter, Mary B. Pishny Smerchek and later her granddaughter, Libby A. Smerchek Arnold. It could have been worn by any of these women for special occasions. The cape will be on exhibit for a few weeks, so stop by to see it in person. (fb)

What will you be doing this Memorial Day? Who are you remembering? Our photo is an Aerial view of East Lake from approximately 1979 taken by Jim Stucky. (fb)