Elyse Luray

It has been a while since I have posted. I have been busy shooting History Detectives as most of you know from following my facebook page.

I recently returned from Houston and Pittsburgh, were I was investigating a boot with magnetics on the bottom of the sole. The owner believed his father had invented it for NASA in the early 1960s, during the “space race” years. The story took me to the Johnson Space Center, Carnegie Mellon University and other towns in Pittsburgh (dont want to give it all away) It was great to learn in depth about Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Joesph Kosmo, who has been an engineer for NASA, for the last 45 years. He worked on Ed White’s space suit and I actually go to see it, up close and personal. I won’t tell you anymore, but stayed tuned. It is a great story!

Last week I visited Belmont University in Nashville, where I was a guest of Judy Billington and the Art Department. What fun I had! It was great to lecture to students, Mark Brown gave me a private tour of the Belmont Mansion and I was at his opening of “the American Experience”. The show had rare examples of 18th and 19th century decorative objects. I also had an evening lecture and was surprised how many people came to hear me lecture about “How to Collect and behind the scenes of History Detectives.”

One of the highlights, was a tour of the Hatch Show Print Shop. What a unique place, with incredible history. I was lucky enough to get a “behind the print shop” tour, viewed their archives of all the incredible acts that have used the Hatch Show shop. I was surprised to see the array of musical talent that is represented in the shop, from blues, to rock, to country music, to present day jam bands.

The staff of the Art Department at Belmont treated me like one of their own. They are all so talented, so dedicated and inspirations to their students. I am particularly impressed with Professor Teresa Granath. She is the founder of Greenbaglady.org. Her bags can be seen all over the world and she is teaching her students to “be green”.

Lastly, as always, I have had some great times with my sons and our friends. As you can see on facebook, we just had a ski trip with 12 other families. Time with my boys always reminds me how lucky I am to have such great people in my life.

and most importantly, WHO DAT!!! Yes, those who know me, know how much New Orleans means to me and I could not be happier from them. A new mayor and a championship is surely a great way to start the new year. Who would have ever of thought that 4 years ago. As I say to my kids, it just shows you….never give up…

Back to the cold of New York!  Had a great time skiing in Sun Valley with my family.  They really need snow but the sun was shining and you can not beat the view from the top of Baldy.

Miami was great. Had a great “date” for the weekend.  Saw some great friends and it was so much fun to spend quality time with them.  Kevin Green and Gregg Katz were definitely the highlights of my trip.  Its been 7 years since I have seen Gregg and it was as it we never skipped a beat.

Boys are home from Jamaica and had the best time with their Dad and our friends.

Wes, Tukufu and Eduardo are coming in this week for some promo work.  Should be fun and will keep everyone posted…

Hope everyone has a great holiday and New Year. I am so grateful for my job, which allows me the opportunity to always learn, explore, travel and meet new and interesting people. The passion that people have for history and objects never stops amazing me. It has been a treat for me to learn from these people and try to share their passions with you.

I am most grateful for my friends and family. Friends (and yes even the new ones I have meet on Facebook) are so important and my close friends have shared some incredible times with me . These memories are precious.

Most importantly, is my family. Looking back on this year, I am so happy my mother is well and my dad has been able to spend time with my kids. My brother, nieces, nephew and Cousin Susan are always a constant source of love and support. I am thankful for our new Nanny Carol.  She is incredible with our children and has enriched all of our lives. Then there are my sons, Matt and Zach. I can not imagine my life with out them. I am so truly blessed, they have grown up so much this year, and being their mother has been the best experience of my life! I am so proud of them and excited to see what 2010 will bring!

Thats it for me. Off to the slopes of Sun Valley, Idaho…..

A happy and healthy to all!

Thank you all for you great comments about my site both here and on facebook.  Please feel free to contact me here or ask any questions about History Detectives, art, antiques, research etc.  It is always fun to hear from other people who have the same passions.

In Baltimore this weekend visiting my family with my two sons.  They are very happy to be here as always.  Forty family members had lunch together today and one of the waitress was crying . When I asked her what was wrong her reply was   ” Nothing. Just seeing all these children/cousins  so happy together makes me cry  of joy.”  I guess that’s the best complement a family can have!

Finished my first story for season 8! If you have checked my facebook page
or History Detectives page, then you know it’s about the musical instrument,
the theremin. Log in to facebook to see me try and attempt to play it! It
was much harder to play then I thought. This story took us to Santa Fe and
it was great to be in New Mexico again. We woke up early one morning to
catch the sunrise over the mountain vistas. Its was so beautiful!

The hours on this shoot were long. I think we may have had one 15 hour day.
I want to thank everyone involved in the research and shoot. The “theremin”
community is great, and it was such a pleasure to meet everyone.

My one complaint….14 hours to get home after plane cancellations, but made
it home for Thanksgiving….

Greetings and welcome to my blog.  People often say to me “Where in the world is Elyse Luray today?”  I have been blessed with a job that takes me all over the country and to so many small towns in America.  The best part of all, is meeting the people and learning their passions for American History.  Please feel free to ask questions, give comments, advice, research tips or just share in your experiences as I travel and search for more great objects!