Search results for smiley

About Smiley 
In 1963, State Mutual Life Assurance Company in Worcester faced a problem. The Worcester-based firm had purchased Guarantee Mutual Company of Ohio the previous year to work with Worcester Mutual Fire Insurance Company, a State Mutual subsidiary.

Low employee morale in the merged companies prompted State Mutual Vice President John Adam, Jr. to suggest a “friendship campaign.” He asked Joy Young, Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing, to develop something.

Young turned to Worcester freelance artist Harvey Ball, requesting he create a little smile to be used on buttons, desk cards and posters. Ball drew a smile but, not satisfied with the result; he added two eyes, making a smiley face. The whole drawing, he recalled later, took ten minutes. He was paid $240 for the entire campaign, and never received any further profit from his smiley face design.

Today, State Mutual is Allmerica Financial, and Worcester Mutual Fire Insurance is no longer a subsidiary of State Mutual. Now called Worcester Insurance Company, it still uses the smiley face on its promotional material.

The smiley face attained a life of its own well beyond the company’s walls. Harvey Ball’s design sparked a fad that swept the nation in the early 1970s. By 1971, smiley face was the hottest selling image in the country: an estimated fifty million smiley buttons alone had been sold, and the image appeared on countless other products as well.

Eventually, smiley’s popularity began to wane, and by the mid-1970s the fad was over. The image never entirely disappeared though, and began to make a significant comeback in the late 1980s, with the resurgence of sixties-and seventies-inspired symbols, fashions, and music. Smiley’s popularity continues today, its appeal both universal and enduring.

About Harvey Ball
Harvey Ball (1921-2001) was born and raised in Worcester. He attended South High School, where he was especially interested in art. In his third year of high school, he apprenticed himself to a local sign painter, who taught him how to create visual images with a strong impact.

In 1940 Harvey won a scholarship to attend Worcester Art Museum school, and received training in the fine arts. Following service in the U.S. Army during World War II, Ball returned to Worcester where he worked for a local advertising agency. In 1959 he started his own business, Harvey Ball Advertising. He had completed other projects for State Mutual before receiving the smiley face commission.

Harvey founded the World Smile Corporation, which licenses smiley’s and organizes World Smile Day on the first Friday in October. Although Harvey died in 2001, World Smile Day continues to raise money for the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation, a non-profit charitable trust which supports children’s causes.

World Smile Day is held on the first Friday of October each year and is a day dedicated to “good cheer and good works.” The catch phrase for the day is “Do an act of kindness-help one person smile.”

The Harvey Ball Smile Award
The Harvey Ball Smile Award was created by Worcester Historical Museum in 2001. The “Harvey” pays tribute to Harvey Ball (1921-2001), creator of the smiley face and World Smile Day, by honoring an individual, organization, or group of individuals whose goodwill has made a difference to the City of Worcester.

Award recipients

 

2019 Dale LaPage
2018 Cliff Rucker
2017 Patty Eppinger
2016 Mark and Janice Fuller
2015 Canal District Alliance
2014 Charles P. Ball
2013 Mary and Warner Fletcher
2012 Michael V. O’Brien
2011 Myles and Jean McDonough
2010 The Crowley Family
2009 Mary DeFeudis
2008 Jane Petrella
2007 Timothy P. Murray
2006 Richard B. Kennedy
2005 Charles F. Monahan, Jr.
2004 John W. Spillane
2003 Leslie Courtney
2002 Denis Leary
2001 Allen W. Fletcher

The Ballad of Harvey Ball
Words and music by Charlie Ball c 1998

Chorus: 

Give A Little Giggle, Grin A Little Grin Do Your Imitation of A Smiley Face Pin Open Up Your Heart And Let the Sun Shine In Then Sare IT with Your Neighbros and Your Next of Kin Share It With Your Neighbros And Your Next of Kin

1. Once There Were Some People Who Were Feeling Kind Of Blue So They Called Up Harvey Ball, He Knew Exactly What to Do He Drew A Smiley Face, He Made It Yellow Too It was Sunny, It was Simple And He Said “I’m Through” (Now).

Chorus

2. Well The People Got Excited When They Saw What He Had Done So They Made Up Smiley Buttons And They Handed Out A Ton Which Went Around The World Like The World Goes Round The Sun For A Smile Begets Another So There’s Never Just One (So).

Chorus

3. Well That’s A Little Story Of How Smiley Came To Be Back In December Of 1963 Call The Guiness Book Of Records Tell Them “Quick Come See” The Happiest Face In All of History (And).

Chorus

4. O The Moral Of The Story Is To Help The World To Smile You Do An Act Of Kindness, You Go The Extra Mile And What You Do Comes Back To You In Just A Little While For Goodness Is Contagious And It’s Never Out Of Style (So).

Chorus

Harvey Ball (1921-2001) was born and raised in Worcester. His father operated a cigar shop at Lincoln Square near the court house, and later worked as a watchman at the Melville Shoe company warehouse on Hammond Street. Ball attended South High School where he was especially interested in art. In his junior year he apprenticed himself to a local sign painter who taught him how to create visual images with strong impact. He won a scholarship to attend the Worcester Art Museum School in 1940, where he received training in fine arts. In his view, working at the sign shop may have been better preparation for his commercial art career than the formal training he received at the Worcester Art Museum School.

Following service in the U.S. Army during World War II, Ball returned to Worcester where he worked for a local ad agency. In 1959, he started his own business, Harvey Ball Advertising. As a freelance artist, he had completed other projects for State Mutual and its affiliates before receiving the smiley face commission in December of 1963. His $240 fee for the entire campaign included $45 for creation of the button. He never realized any further profit on his smiley face design. In 1963, State Mutual Life Assurance Company of America, now All America, faced a problem. The Worcester-based firm had purchased Guarantee Mutual Company of Ohio the previous year to work in conjunction with a State Mutual subsidiary, Worcester Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Low employee morale created by reorganization in the merged companies prompted State Mutual Vice-President John Adam, Jr., to suggest a “friendship campaign.” Adam assigned the task of developing the campaign to Joy Young, assistant director of sales and marketing for the Worcester-Guarantee companies.

Young turned to Harvey Ball, a freelance commercial artist, and asked him to create a little smile that could be used on buttons, desk cards, and posters. Ball drew a smile. Not satisfied with the result, he added two eyes, making a smile face. The whole drawing, he recalled later, took ten minutes.

The Worcester-Guarantee companies launched the campaign in 1964, distributing the initial order of 100 smile buttons to their representatives. Agents and clients enthusiastically responded to the yellow buttons; thereafter Young reordered in lots of 10,000. By about 1978 or 1979, however, the campaign had run its course and the smile face symbol was retired.

Others have tried to take credit for smiley’s creation. A smiling face image was reported to have been used in 1964 to promote a New York City radio station. David Stern, a Seattle, Washington, advertising executive claimed to have created the icon for a bank promotion in 1967. When questioned by reporters in 1993, however, he recanted his story. Bernard and Murray Spain of Traffic Stoppers Inc. appeared on the television program “What’s My Line” in 1971 asserting that they had made the symbol. None of these claims, however, refutes Harvey Ball’s documented Worcester authorship of the smiley face.

Ball continued to work as a graphic designer in Worcester until his death in April 2001. He was also a career military man, retiring from the Army National Guard in 1979 after thirty-seven years of service. In 1990, while campaigning for the Republican write-in candidate for state representative he promoted himself as the creator of the smiley face.

Smiley attained a life of its own well beyond corporate walls. Harvey Ball’s design sparked a fad that swept the nation in the early 1970s and became a symbol for a generation of Americans.

What are the elements of an authentic Worcester-made smiley face? The icon’s playfulness comes from Harvey Ball’s freehand drawing of the features. As he explained, “I had a choice. …Do I use a compass to draw the smile and two perfect dots for the eyes? …Nah, do it freely. Give it some character.”

Not sure what to give that fan of Worcester history? How about a gift card for WHM gift shop.

We offer gift cards in denominations of $10 – $25 – $50 – Gift cards have no cash value. Your gift card will arrive in a special Smiley envelope. Order online or just call 508-753-8278 to order your gift card today!

Orders placed online will be available for pick up the next business day.
Tuesday-Saturday – 10am to 4pm at Worcester Historical Museum, 30 Elm Street.

For orders to be shipped, orders must be placed before December 15 to meet USPS holiday deadline. Call for shipping details and any special pricing.

A Special Night at Polar Park

The 21^st Harvey Ball has come and gone but will never be forgotten! It was a special night as Worcester Historical Museum honored the Worcester Red Sox, the 21^st recipient of the Harvey Ball Smile Award. The WooSox organization is the epitome of a community supporter. Next time you’re entering Polar Park’s main entrance look up…you’ll see, in its glory, the award, a smile painted by renowned speed painter/performer Rob Surette, gifted to the organization.

The evening’s other high point was recognizing City Manager Edward Augustus as he steps down from his role in City government. He was such an instrumental player in bringing the Worcester Red Sox to Worcester. What do you give a guy who has everything? To thank him for his 8½ years as the City of Worcester’s Team Captain, Augustus was presented with an almost-24-carat-gold baseball…gilded by Harvey Ball committee member Birgit Straehle.

A special thank you to all who attended, as well as our sponsors who were critical to the success of the event.  We truly appreciate our community and all who support the Worcester Historical Museum.  Our City. Our History. WE ARE WORCESTER!

 

 

Find yourself in the crowd…Additional photos of the 21st Harvey Ball. 

 

SPONSORS & CONTRIBUTORS

 

SMILE SPONSORS: AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Bowditch Attorneys, Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, Cornerstone Bank, Country Bank, Fidelity Bank, Mary and Warner Fletcher, Fontaine Community Foundation, The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation, Mechanics Hall, Middlesex Bank, Polar Beverages, Reliant Medical Group, ReMax Vision, Rollstone Bank & Trust, Sadick Public Adjusters, Inc., Shea Management, Sparkle on Park, Struck Catering, SG&D Insurance Agencies, UMass Memorial Health, UniBank for Savings, Todd Wetzel/The Wetzel Group at Morgan Stanley, Webster Five, Wings Over Worcester, Worcester Academy

 

CONTRIBUTORS TO DATE: 2 Chef’s Italian Restaurant & Bar, Albanian Festival Committee of Worcester, American Vinegar Works, Arcuri Moda Salon, Ursula Arello, Michael Bafaro, Basil n’ Spice Thai Cuisine, Bean Counter Bakery, Bedlam Book Café, Bennie’s Café Pub & Deli, Herbert E. Berg Florist, Inc., Blushing Bee Naturals, Mark Borenstein, Brew on the Grid, B.T.’s Fried Chicken & BBQ, DT & Deborah Bunker, C.C. Lowell Art Supply Co., Canal District Wines, Carroll Charitable Foundation/Small Business Insurance Agency, Chashu Restaurant Ramen, Kim Ciborowski, Clark Mailing Service, Inc., Cleaner Image Dry Cleaning, Paul Conzo Salon & Day Spa, Crompton Collective, Elizabeth Cruz-Cruz Realty Group, Jane Cullen, The Draft House Bar & Grill (The Manor), East Side Liquors, Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace, El Basha, Eric’s LaPatisserie, Christopher Erskine, The Exchange Chic Boutique & Consignment, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Flying Rhino Café & Watering Hole, Luis Fraire, George’s Coney Island, Guertin Graphics, The Guru Tax & Financial Services, Hanover Theatre and Conservatory, Herbie’s, James Hogan, Journey, Julio’s Liquors, K Sense Co., Lamoureux Pagano Associates, Levenson Smile, Lock 50, Mrs. Moriconi’s Ice Cream, Niche Hospitality Group, David Nicholson, O’Connor’s Restaurant, O’Hara’s Wine & Liquors, On the Rise Bakery, Percy’s TV & Appliances,  Richard and Kathy Perry, Patricia Peterleitner, Roland Peterleitner, Piccolo’s, Quinn’s Blue Plate, Quinn’s Irish Pub, Gail Randall, Redemption Rock Brewing Co., Seven Saws Brewing Company, Sharfmans, Karon Shea, Shea Management, Mark Shelton, Smokestack Urban BBQ, Spoodles Deli, Stewarts’s Chocolates, Michael Stone Portraits, Birgit Straehle, Struck Catering, Sweets & Java, Tidepool Bookshop, Josephine & Philip Truesdell, Kelley Tyan, Up Balloon, Vaillancourt Folk Art, Val’s Restaurant & Lounge, Wachusett Brewing Company, Wachusett Country Club, Mark Waitkus, William Wallace, Jessica Walsh, Jim Welu, Wings Over Worcester, Wonder Bar Restaurant, WooSox, Worcester Railers Hockey Club, Worcester Wares, Wormtown Brewery, Ziti’s Italian Trattoria

 

 

Looking for that perfect gift for a neighbor, colleague, family member

or that special someone in your life? We want to help you share Worcester!

Select from a collection of unique locally themed gifts and stocking stuffers.

Shopping Window
December 10 – 19

Place your order by calling Worcester Historical Museum at (508) 753-8278
between 11 AM – 3 PM Wednesday through Saturday.

WHM members receive a 10% discount.
Payment by credit card is required.  All sales final.
Orders will be ready for curbside pick-up the next business day.

Or, give the gift of HISTORY year-round with a membership to Worcester Historical Museum.
Individual $40, Family $60, and Senior/Students $25.
Explore the benefits of membership and place your order with the receptionist.

Celebrate Worcester!  We appreciate your continued support of Worcester Historical Museum
and wish you and your family a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!

Books…

150 YEARS OF WORCESTER: 1848-1998

Author Albert Southwick celebrates the February 29 anniversary of
Worcester’s formal incorporation as a city in 1848 by “recounting
its history from then to the present.” In three chapters Southwick
recounts in prose and images, Worcester’s evolution from an industrial
center to “its current position at the forefront of the health care industry.”
94 pages; black and white.

$8

 

 

 

 

 

LANDSCAPE OF INDUSRTY: AN INDUSTRIAL HISTORY OF THE BLACKSTONE VALLEY

The industrial history of the Blackstone Valley is chronicled in a series
of essays by six of the area’s best historians, illustrated with images from
public and private collections throughout the Valley. Published in 2009;
178 pages; full color.

$25

 

 

 

 

FOR THE RECORD LGBTQ+ WORCESTER

In this companion to the 2019 landmark exhibit of the same name, authors
Joseph Cullon, Robert Tobin, and Stephanie Yuhl share the history of the 20th
century LGBTQ+ experience in the heart of the Commonwealth. 116 pages;
full color.

$28

 

 

 

 

 

DENHOLMS

Denholms, the story of Worcester’s premier department store in vivid descriptions of the festive holiday displays and personal recollection of former employees.  157 Pages; black and white.

$19.99

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE WORCESTER ACCOUNT

Explore the Worcester of playwright S.N. Behrman. In this edition of the
long-out-of-print 1954 original, publisher Lawrence Abramoff reminds
the reader that this is “the untold story of thousands of immigrant
families seeking their fortune in America…the Worcester Account is
their story—and yours and mine.” 267 pages; black and white.

$10

 

 

 

 

 

 

ONCE-TOLD TALES OF WORCESTER COUNTY and MORE ONCE-OLD TALES OF WORCESTER COUNTY

In a series of short stories, local historian, and long-time editorial writer, Albert B. Southwick, takes the reader on a journey in the region’s fascinating history. From “Worcester’s First Lawsuit” to “Worcester was almost Motown” in the first volume to “Levi Lincoln and the Iron Horse” to “Sacco, Vanzetti, Benchley and Worcester” in MORE ONCE-TOLD TALES, they are a hard-to-put-down look at fascinating Worcester. 169 and 180 pages; black and white.

$12 each; $20 for the set

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WWII CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN ALBERT B. SOUTHWICK TO MAPLE HILL FARM

Four fascinating volumes of letters recount the World War II experiences of a young Al Southwick from his arrival at Naval training in February of 1942 until his return in 1945. A fascinating firsthand account from “I’m having more fun than at any time since I was a freshman at Clark” to “I’m on my way home.” Four volumes (180-200 pages): 1/February-June 1942; 2/June 1942-May 1943; 3/May 1943-August 1944; 4/September 1944-November 1945.

$15 each/$50 for all four; limited quantity available.

 

WORCESTER STACKS UP: FIRSTS AND FUN FACTS 

The first of its kind—a fun book of local by CJ Posk, “Firsts and Fun Facts” for Worcester fans from 8 to 80! “From Pulitzer Prize-winning poets to packaged pizza pie, dive into the amazing history of Worcester…” 82 pages; full color

$15

 

 

 

Stocking stuffers…

WHM MAGNET BOTTLE OPENER

$5

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHM CUSTOM STAINLESS TRAVEL MUG

$12

 

 

 

 

 

 

VAILLANCOURT FOLK ART LIMITED EDITION SMILEY TOP HAT ORNAMENT (Front and Back)

$30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SMILEY PHONE HOLDER

$8.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

“ANY WAY YOU SAY IT” MUG

$12

 

 

 

 

 

 

“SMILEY MUG”

$6.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

WORCESTER T-SHIRT

$15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“SMILEY TIE”

$60

Welcome to Worcester Historical Museum’s YouTube Channel connecting viewers with political, social, and cultural history in an informative, immersive, and sometimes entertaining manner. Explore the Worcester story…
CLICK the RED program titles for Worcester past, present, and future.

MUSEUM CELEBRATIONS

THE HARVEY BALL

Every year since 2001, Worcester Historical Museum has presented “The Harvey Ball Smile Award” to a local individual, group, or organization responsible for helping the entire community smile. The evening also celebrates Harvey Ball and his legacy as the creator of the iconic smiley face, the international icon for happiness and good.  The Harvey Ball on October 2, 2020, recognized 20 community partners on the 20th anniversary of “The Harvey.”

 

CELEBRATING WOMEN 1OO – PRETTY POWERFUL PROGRAM SERIES

In anticipation of Worcester Historical Museum’s landmark exhibition, PRETTY POWERFUL: 100 Years of Voting & Style will celebrate the centennial anniversary of women’s right to vote through fashion and the changing roles of women. Programs will continue through spring 2021 with a grand capstone commemoration celebrating a century of women’s social and political activism in Worcester and beyond.

 

The PRETTY POWERFUL Little Black Dress

Celebrate the iconic LITTLE BLACK DRESS. Featuring fascinating historical factoids and special appearances by fashion designers, artists, and fashionistas. Learn secrets on how to glam up your LBD for the holidays and beyond. Presented by the Worcester Historical Museum on November 18, 2020, the program includes powerful photos, videos, stories, and voices.

 

ANITA: Speaking Truth to Power, A Post-Film Discussion

The Anita Hill conversation continues! Nearly three decades after she accused Clarence Thomas of inappropriate behavior at the 1991 U.S. Supreme Court Senate confirmation process, Anita Hill is at the center of an inspiring discussion on women’s rights, equality, harassment in the workplace, and relations between genders and races. Presented on May 23, 2020, by Worcester Historical Museum in partnership with Worcester Black History Project, Pathways for Change, Inc., and the City of Worcester’s Committee on the Status of Women as part of the Museum’s PRETTY POWERFUL Program Series.

 

After Suffrage: The Campaign for the Equal Rights Amendment, 1920-2020

Historian, teacher, and author Barbara Berenson (served as a Senior Attorney at the Massachusetts. Supreme Judicial Court from 2004 – 2019) gave an informative and compelling presentation on milestone moments related to women’s rights to vote throughout the past 100 years. Presented on June 25, 2020, it includes powerful photos, stories, and voices. Presented in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Worcester Area.

 

To the Wrongs that Need Resistance: The Uneasy Path to American Women’s Suffrage

Despite what popular histories might tell us, the road to the 19th Amendment in the US was neither straight nor smooth. Nor was it the triumph of a few especially strong leaders. In this talk, Holy Cross History Professor Stephanie Yuhl (Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies; Peace and Conflict Studies) explores the wide array of diverse women who, despite internal and external tensions, created a powerful movement for women’s full citizenship and personhood, symbolized in the right to vote. Presented on July 30, 2020, in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Worcester Area.

  

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Worcester Historical Museum partners with the Worcester public to chronicle and better understand our community histories. From the Latino History Project of Worcester, LGBTQ+ Worcester FOR THE RECORD, and the Worcester Black History Project, WHM and our community partners work to ensure that we all take our place in history. The following programs present important research-driven storytelling from these community history projects. YOUR history matters. 

 

LATINO HISTORY PROJECT OF WORCESTER

Policing and Race in Worcester: The Story of Cristino Hernandez, A Latino Perspective

Unrest continues across our country with the recent shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. These incidents renew scrutiny on older cases including the July 1993 death of Cristino Hernandez at the hands of the Worcester Police. Severely beaten, Hernandez’s incident was partially captured on video similar to the Rodney King tape. Aldo Garcia Guevara (Prof. of History at Worcester State University) joins Ricky Escobar (Hernandez’s nephew), Dr. Hector E. Piñero (Attorney), Joseph S. Hennessy (Civil Rights Lawyer and former police officer), and Hon. Judge Margaret R. Guzman to remind the public that police brutality has been going on for years and affects Latinos, Blacks, and other people of color as well.

 

BLACK HISTORY PROJECT OF WORCESTER

Worcester People of Color – Unseen Photos, 1897-1917

Hundreds of images depict the everyday lives of Worcester’s Black Worcester residents, many of whom resided in the Beaver Brook neighborhood with their children, neighbors, and loved ones. In 2003 Charlton resident, Frank Morrill purchased a collection of thousands of images taken by local photographer William Bullard between 1897 and 1917. A significant number of those photographs were of Black Worcester residents—a surprising find considering that people of color made up 1% of the city’s population at that time. Join the Worcester Black History Project, Worcester Historical Museum, and Frank Morrill for a discussion and exploration of Bullard’s photographs and the Worcester people whose lives he documented.

 

COVID-19 and the Worcester Black Community     

Data suggests that Black and Latinx communities make up a disproportionate number of COVID-19 deaths. Though 5% of Worcester County’s population is Black, they represent 10% of the people seen at Worcester hospitals with COVID-19. Similarly, 11% of Worcester County‘s population is Latino, yet they represent 30% of people seen with COVID-19. Dr. Jennifer Bradford, who specializes in Family Medicine, Public Health, and General Preventive Medicine at UMASS Memorial, joined Black leaders on May 20, 2020, to examine these issues. 

 

Black and Blue:  Policing While Black

George Floyd’s death sparked widespread protests in the U.S. over police abuse. On September 1, 2020, Worcester Historical Museum presented a forum on race and policing and the double consciousness of being a Black police officer for an institution that is seen as racist and dangerous to the Black community. The panel includes Dr. Charlotte Haller (Prof. and Chair of History and Political Science at Worcester State University), Prof. Hernandez Stroud (Brennan Center of Justice at NYU School of Law), police officers and captains, and Ethical Society of Police board members who share reactions to recent protests, explore perceptions of police violence, and discuss solutions to what is required to achieve systemic change.

 

MUSEUM/LIBRARY RESOURCES

The Worcester Tornado, June 9, 1953

The tornado first touched down in Petersham about 4:25 p.m and a column of instability led to the formation of an F-4 twister that pummeled Rutland, Holden, north Worcester, Shrewsbury, Westboro, and Southboro before retreating into the sky about an hour later. It destroyed most of Assumption College, which in the aftermath, moved to a new location; part of the main administration building still stands at what is now Quinsigamond Community College. From the Marvin Richmond Collection at the Worcester Historical Museum.

Baseball in Worcester

Baseball has always been a favorite pastime in Worcester. Previous to 1865 the game was commonly called “round ball” and the old Common was the playground for everybody who wished to participate, three or four games going on at the same time on holidays. For several years previous to 1860 the only organized club in the city was the “Mechanics.” The first professional team in the city was the Irvings, who flourished in 1877-8. The following year the game was loudly boomed and the “Worcesters” were organized to represent the city in what was called the International Association. In 1880-81-82 the Worcesters were in the National League and baseball prospered as never before or since. The city was not large enough however to support a League team, and at the close of the season of 1882, the Worcesters ceased to exist. Baseball remained practically at rest until 1888 when a team was organized to represent the city in the New England BaseBall Association. Commentary by Bill Ballou in this video created by Pagano Media for Worcester Historical Museum to welcome the Worcester Tornadoes in 2005.

SEND an Electronic WORCESTER SMILE to brighten up someone’s day! Then draw some Smileys and put one or two or three in your windows; draw chalk Smileys in your driveways; make Smile masks to wear when face timing friends and family. Ask your friends, neighbors, relatives…even enemies (if you have any) to do the same. Then have everyone post to the Museum’s Facebook and Instagram pages. It can be photos of their creations, something they own, something they wish they could do, see, or buy right now. Remind all the power of a smile – and of Worcester. If we all reach out, the smiles will increase in numbers and impact.

SEND an Electronic WORCESTER SMILE to brighten up someone’s day!  Then draw some Smileys and put one or two or three in your windows; draw chalk Smileys in your driveways; make Smile masks to wear when face timing friends and family. Ask your friends, neighbors, relatives…even enemies (if you have any) to do the same.  Then have everyone post to the Museum’s Facebook and Instagram pages. It can be photos of their creations, something they own, something they wish they could do, see, or buy right now. Remind all the power of a smile – and of Worcester. If we all reach out, the smiles will increase in numbers and impact.

Did you know that Worcester is not only the birthplace of barbed wire and the monkey wrench, but of smiley face and the space suit?

Visit the buttons on the left to see exciting Worcester history and/or visit Worcester Historical Museum at 30 Elm Street and/or Salisbury Mansion at 40 Highland Street.