Shaun Clancy discusses “Archie’s Betty” during a recent WHAV Open Mike Show.
Haverhill’s own Bob Montana is credited with creating many aspects of the famed comics character, Archie, and some novelty items related to the forever-grinning boy will be on display next month.
Nancy Silberkleit, co-CEO of Archie Comics Publications, is sharing her personal collection of Archie memorabilia beginning next month at Buttonwoods Museum. The exhibit includes licensed products related to Archie and his gang, including pins, perfume, key chain, puzzle, baseball cap, Veronica doll and other items.
Silberkleit became co-CEO following the death of her husband, who operated Archie Comics as family business as far back as the 1940s. She uses the exhibit to “remind children that hobbies can help children develop interests to counteract negativity from others,” according to a statement.
The collection has already been on tour and exhibited in Steamboat Springs, Colo.; Vero Beach, Fla.; Salt Lake City, Utah; and other cities.
Buttonwoods Museum is presenting the exhibit in conjunction with its exhibit on downtown Haverhill during the Woolworth Era from the 1940s to 1960s, which formally opens with a fundraiser rom 6 to 9 p.m., Sept. 3. The highlight is a restored section of the counter from the Woolworth Building and an oral history documentary produced by Historic New England, Haverhill Community TV, Haverhill Public Library and the Buttonwoods Museum.
Historic New England premieres the oral history documentary at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 9. The documentary features interviews with Haverhillites who remember what it was like to work, shop and play in downtown Haverhill during the days of Woolworth’s. The showing is free and open to the public, but reservations are recommend.
The final event is a showing of the “Archie’s Betty” by Gerald Peary and a talk by Archie aficionado Shaun Clancy Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Technology Center at Northern Essex Community College.