Scary Clowns and Dancing Veggies: The Complicated History of "The Magic Basket"

Join the Children's Literature Research Collection for an in-depth discussion of "The Magic Basket," a marionette play produced by the Pittsburgh branch of the Museum Extension Project of the Works Progress Administration. In this online webinar, staff will show examples of objects housed in the Free Library's Special Collections while tracing the history of the play. "The Magic Basket" was designed to teach children and their caregivers about the importance of proper nutrition.
Warning: Scary clowns are featured.
This program is part of "We Are What We Eat," the latest exhibition from the Free Library's Special Collections. We Are What We Eat will be on view through August 31, 2024.
The Free Library of Philadelphia’s Children’s Literature Research Collection (CLRC) is one of the premier centers for the study of children’s literature in the United States. The Collection houses over 85,000 works of children’s literature and an archive of original artwork, manuscripts, and ephemera. The Children’s Literature Research Collection promotes the history, study, and development of children’s literature. CLRC engages the public about the importance of children’s literature in history and culture; expands the knowledge base of library patrons through research support; and fosters new ideas through displays and exhibitions. To learn more about the collection, visit: freelibrary.org/clrc