Engage Christina Keyser Vida in conversation at a cocktail party and you might learn an interesting tidbit about George Washington, the father of our country. Turns out, as Vida puts it, he was penurious, or as the rest of us might put it, cheap.
Vida came about this knowledge while working as an assistant curator at Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. While there, she worked on the restoration of our first president’s study, his 18th-century gardener’s house, and the exhibition, Setting the President’s Table: American Presidential China from the Robert L. McNeil Collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
During the restoration, she came across a journal that showed Washington closely compared the cost of oil lamps vs. tallow candles to see which would be less expensive. Oil lamps won out.
This knowledge will come in handy as Vida settles into her role as research assistant and advertising coordinator for Winter Associates, an auction and appraisal firm in Plainville. In her new role, she will be dealing with everything from modern art to 17th century furniture for the firm that is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. “I’m enjoying working in the office with the staff and the amazing variety of objects that come through,” she said, adding that her responsibilities include researching items being appraised.
Her interest in all things historical came about because of a mischievous youth. As Vida admits, “I blame my mother because I was always getting into trouble.” Her punishment was polishing the family’s collection of brass and silver. “By the time I got into high school,” said Vida, 26, “I knew I was interested in history.” Vida graduated magna cum laude in 2005 from the College of William and Mary with a B.A. in History and a minor in Art History. She also has a Masters of Art from the University of Delaware.
The biggest adjustment to Vida’s move to Connecticut has been the adjustment to the weather. Interviewed before Labor Day, the Florida transplant said, “I’m enjoying a regular fall season.” Vida moved here to join her husband, who is a researcher for ESPN’s National Football League coverage.
