Electra to the Rescue: Saving a Steamboat and the Story of Shelburne Museum

An illustrated biography for children of Electra Havemeyer Webb, founder of Vermont’s Shelburne Museum.

This read-aloud picture book brings young readers (and listeners) the captivating story of Electra Havemeyer Webb and her adventures in “America’s attic.” Illustrated throughout with archival images and full-color photographs of items from the Shelburne Museum, the book is a splendid introduction not only to this dynamic, unconventional woman but also to the rich, colorful world of Americana.

Electra collected rag dolls, cast-iron banks, embroidery samplers, miniature circuses―even a working paddle-wheeler. Here is a book that perfectly embodies Electra’s lifelong to teach the American tradition of craftsmanship and the often sublime beauty of simple, everyday objects.