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A Passion for PEZ History at New Haven Museum
When Shawn Peterson, PEZ collector extraordinaire and Direct to Consumer Business Manager at PEZ Candy Inc., was on a second date with the woman he would later marry, he learned her last name was Peznowski, but everyone called her Lisa Pez… Peterson will discuss this sweet story, his passion for all things PEZ, and the history of the company that makes it, in a presentation based on his new book, “PEZ: From Austrian Invention to American Icon” at the New Haven Museum on Tuesday, September 27, at 6 p.m.
After his talk, Peterson will unveil two of the hottest new PEZ dispensers for the first time, before their official release dates: a set of “Trolls,” tying in to the upcoming animated movie of the same name, and a new “Star Wars Rogue One” gift set. The public is invited to bring a favorite PEZ dispenser to the reception and book signing following the free event. One lucky attendee will win the “Trolls” set as a door prize, and the rest can take home a PEZ candy sample.
In addition to the PEZ’s colorful past, Peterson will share his own story, from initially picking up a few PEZ dispensers at a flea market near his home in Kansas, to later parlaying his interest into his dream job in Connecticut. He has a wealth of knowledge to share on the topic, from insights on some of the unusual or most sought-after collectibles, to how bootleggers used to morph Wonder Woman PEZ dispensers into members of the band KISS, and insider tips on collecting.
The fun of collecting PEZ dispensers is summed up nicely in a YouTube video posted by the new book’s publisher, Arcadia Publishing and The History Press: “Swapping stories and sharing laughs is as important as sharing the candy.” Indeed, in the video there is a camaraderie among PEZ collectors that is delight to behold. The secret to happy collecting? “Buy what makes you smile,” Peterson says. “That’s what this is all about.”
Though the company began in Austria in 1927, with an American division opening in the 1950s, PEZ didn’t become an integral part of Greater New Haven history till 1975, with the opening of a factory in Orange. Thanks to Peterson’s pitch to the company’s CEO, the colorful PEZ Visitor Center was added to the Orange factory in 2011, with Peterson managing it. Along the way, he collected thousands of the candy dispensers, and enough familiarity with the topic to write three collector’s guides.
About the New Haven Museum
The New Haven Museum has been collecting, preserving and interpreting the history and heritage of Greater New Haven since its inception as the New Haven Colony Historical Society in 1862. Located in downtown New Haven at 114 Whitney Avenue, the Museum brings more than 375 years of New Haven history to life through its collections, exhibitions, programs and outreach. For more information visit www.newhavenmuseum.org or Facebook.com/NewHavenMuseum or call 203-562-4183.Images
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Date and Time
Tuesday Sep 27, 2016
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDTTues., September 27, 2016, 6 pm
Location
New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave.
Fees/Admission
free
Website
Contact Information
Donna Wardle - 203-562-4183 x 19
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