Museum Day Live at David Warther Carvings offers free admission Sept. 20

Who said nothing in life is free?

Whoever made that statement, they were wrong because the public is invited to a day at the museum for free.

Museum Day Live at David Warther Carvings will be held Saturday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to. 5 p.m. Free tours to the general public will be offered, and the last tour will be at or before 4 p.m.

This event started out being sponsored by the Smithsonian and was held across the country by participating museums. Because it is not always held every year, Warther decided to hold its own free event each year.

One reason to go is because Warther recently completed ship carving No. 95, that effort being a highly decorated cargo vessel from ancient Egypt dubbed “Master of the Great River.”

Warther said they have continued to do this every year for a number of years, even after Smithsonian stopped presenting it. Warther wanted to continue the tradition because they have had such a grand response, and they have had an enjoyable experience opening their doors and inviting the public in for a free day to experience the museum.

Warther said one of the main reasons he and his staff enjoy participating in this free event is because he knows visiting museums can be expensive, especially for families, and this particular event invites in people from all walks of life, many of whom aren’t well-versed in Warther’s main topic, shopping vessels that have played significant roles in society globally throughout the ages.

Warther’s carvings are in properly purchased ivory — each vessel a piece of intricate art from the delicate touch of a master carver. Each vessel is bathed in spotlights, highlighting the sheer beauty of each piece.

While each piece of art is entrancing, what truly brings them to life are the stories behind each ship, stories that unfold in a tale from both Warther and his staff.

“Through this event I’ve met some of the most interesting people who would probably have never shown up otherwise,” Warther said. “That’s a nice thing to capture, and that is the purpose behind the invention of this event.”

David Warther Carvings is located at 1775 state Route 39 between Walnut Creek and Sugarcreek.