|
HEARTHSIDE HOUSE MUSEUM NEWSLETTER
|
|
|
"The House That Love Built" Vol. 9, Issue 3 March 2016
|
|
What a difference a year makes! Last year, our March season opening was cancelled due to the fact that there was so much snow, there was no place to park. This weekend, we're enjoying spring weather. And all is ready and set to open on Sunday as we begin our
15th season!
We just received some great publicity in
The Pawtucket Times/Woonsocket Call today with a front page feature article about
Sunday's tour and our
Salute to Women's History. The article was also recognized
Friends of Hearthside's 15th anniversary and besides my interview, it also included interviews with two of our long-time docents,
Estelle Barada and
Jenna Alessandro.
As we head into another year, the excitement for what we're doing at Hearthside seems to be mounting. Just check out our
Facebook page. If you haven't "Liked" us yet, please take a moment to do so. It really is the best way to stay up to date with what is happening.....and there's always so much happening, it's hard to relay it all in this newsletter.
We've welcomed a number of
new volunteers in the past month, some of whom will be docents and "getting their feet wet" this weekend. Each and every one of our volunteers puts forth such effort. Together, our volunteers are "Hearthside." It is such a testament to this organization that so many step forward to offer their time and their talents to making this special place the best it can be.
Spring always brings with it a
sense of optimism and renewal, and that is exactly what I'm feeling today as I sit and read this wonderful newspaper article about Hearthside's anniversary. It's been quite a journey over the past 15 years, and I know that we're really just beginning to reach our real potential.
Featured among the many women's profiles on display in our exhibit this month are some inspirational quotes.
This one by Louisa May Alcott was particularly meaningful to me:
"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I
may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty,
believe in them, and try to follow where they lead."
Thank YOU for being a friend of Hearthside and being part of its history!
|
|
|
|
March 13 Women's History Month Exhibit & Tour
March 19 Annual Meeting
April 10 Tour Day
April 14 Chocolate & Wine Tasting Fundraiser
April 23 Volunteer Meeting
May 7 Downton Abbey Tea
May 22 Tour Day
June 4-5 American Girl Doll Tea Weekend
*Special Event Ticket Advance Purchase Required
|
|
|
| 15TH SEASON KICKS OFF WITH SALUTE TO WOMEN'S HISTORY THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 13TH |
|
|
 |
| Louisa Meader Lived at Hearthside 1890-1901 |
|
There are 32 women being profiled during our Women's History Month exhibit opening on Sunday, March 13th. Through the exhibit, the stories of a collection of remarkable women, from Rhode Island, as well as nationally and internationally, are featured. Their stories are diverse and cover women from the 17th-21st centuries. The common thread is that these women recognized that they had the ability, regardless of gender, to do what needed to be done. They were (are) courageous and went against all odds to accomplish what they did. From the first female to play major league baseball to the first Black woman multi-billionaire, the stories of these trailblazers are quite fascinating. Adding to our salute to women's history will be a few Civil War civilian re-enactors joining us to welcome visitors to step back in time and learn more about women's role particularly during the 1860s. Besides some of the more well-known ladies, we've also featured a few of Hearthside's owners who have their own tales of success. Although on our tours we've spoken a good deal about Daniel Meader, we've not mentioned his wife, Louisa. But she has an amazing story! She lived to be 91 and was considered to be "the most active woman in Lincoln" right up till then. Very well-respected, she was head of the local chapter of the Women's Temperance Union and traveled as a delegate for the organization to countries around the world. Upon her return to Lincoln, she would deliver lectures about her travels. For over 20 years, she was elderess at her church, the Saylesville Friends Society. She was a prominent woman, belonging to 11 different clubs and societies in Rhode Island. She attributed her longevity to the fresh air and exercise she got by walking everywhere, rather than riding in a car. Louisa's cape and muff are on display along with her story. There are many more stories to learn and be inspired by. Tomorrow's opening is a self-guided tour, with docents on hand to provide further information about Hearthside and its families. Doors open at 1:00 with the last admission at 3:00. Members are admitted free. General admission is $8; $6/seniors; $4/ages 10-17; under 10 free. The exhibit will remain on display for next month's tour on April 10. |
| ANNUAL MEETING SATURDAY, MARCH 19TH |
|
At our Annual Meeting being held on
Saturday, March 19th from 10-noon, we celebrate our successes and look to even greater things ahead. Joining us will be Lincoln's Town Administrator,
Joe Almond, Town Council President
Keith Macksoud, as well as our members and friends. We look forward to hearing about the Town's plans for Great Road and how we can best work together toward a common goal of preserving our rich history.
An important part of the meeting is
electing our organization's leadership. Our board of directors is comprised of 9 members, with the option of expanding to 15. Each member serves for 3 years. The slate for
three board members for election to the board for three-year terms is as follows:
Rick Rosati: Rick brings to the organization several years experience as a business executive. Currently a management consultant, his areas of expertise include media relations, financial, educational programs, grantwriting, public affairs, regulatory, and nonprofit management. He has enjoyed past tours at Hearthside and wants to offer his assistance to keep this site thriving. He is a resident of N. Providence, living just over the Lincoln line.
Jennifer Vuono: Jen is a Human Resources executive with Citizens Bank where she manages large scale human resource projects and programs, including recruiting, manager training, and strategic workforce planning. She also is responsible for coordinating Citizens' volunteer community involvement, of which Hearthside has been a beneficiary. Jen and her family live in Lincoln and have been active members and participants in our activities.
William McManus: Bill was elected at last year's Annual Meeting to fill a one-year vacancy on the Board, and has expressed his interest to continue on the board. Bill is a Project Manager for Merchandising at CVS Corporation and is also a Lincoln resident. He is a former State Representative and also is a current member of the Lincoln Budget Board. Bill serves on our Finance Committee and is coordinating our continued efforts with strategic planning objectives. He also is an avid photographer, capturing many of our events with his camera.
This year, we regrettably bid farewell to
Christine Stewart who has completed
three terms on the board. She has played a pivotal role in the formative years of this organization. Christine has served as
treasurer and
membership chair. In addition, she's been a
docent and has helped in numerous volunteer roles over the past
13 years. Her involvement and support over the years has been nothing short of extraordinary, and she will be sorely missed by us all! Of course we know Hearthside is dear to her and she won't be a stranger to us.
If you plan to join us for the Annual Meeting,
kindly RSVP by
sending an email or leave a message at 726-0597. Hope to see you there!
|
 |
|
CHOCOLATE LOVERS DELIGHT
LEGENDARY LOVE: AN EVENING OF CHOCOLATE & WINE
THURSDAY, APRIL 14TH
|
LEGENDARY LOVE: A Luxurious Evening of Chocolate & Wine
at "The House That Love Built"
Thursday, April 14th 6:30 p.m.
Celebrate the irresistible appeal of two of life's great indulgences---chocolate and wine---in the warmth and charm of Hearthside.
Explore the subtleties and flavors of artisanal chocolates and fine wines while enhancing your knowledge about the delicate pairing wine and chocolate from the experts. Take a "dip" in our chocolate fountain and enjoy learning about the legendary romantic history of Hearthside, while treating your taste buds to this unusual culinary delight.
Help us commemorate Friends of Hearthside's 15th anniversary with this special fundraiser which will help support continued restoration of this historic jewel. A portion of each ticket is tax deductible as allowed under IRS regulations.
Cost: $40/person Space Limited Tickets on Sale March 17*
* Tickets for Members Available Now !
Call 726-0597 for Tickets
Special Thanks to Our Sponsor Mendon Wines & More
Fine Chocolates by
The Chocolate Delicacy
|
|
ANNUAL APPEAL TOPS GOAL OF $5,000
|
|
Our 2015 Year-End Campaign surpassed our original goal of $5,000. Our final tally for the Annual Appeal is
$5,250! This is a big boost for our efforts at raising funds to undertake the restoration of our porch roof and some of the other structural issues and projects we're facing.
A very
special thanks to our members and contributors for opening their hearts and wallets to make this drive successful!
|
$1,000
Anonymous
Laura Murch Moran
$200
Anonymous
Ellen Miller & George Haduch
Erika & Charles Heeder
$100
Christine & Ron Stewart
Margo & Nick Bik
Fred & Alice Reinhardt
Carolyn Basler * in memory of Kitten Basler
Kathy & Dave Hartley
Emily Leighton Camparone
Lee Sproul
Bill Hartley
Barbara Thornton
Janis & Chris Corrigan
Carol Young
Tom Ward, The Valley Breeze
Bill McManus
John Scanlon
Carolyn Profughi
Rick Rosati
|
$50-99
Janine Cote
Catherine Sabo
Gayle Rosenfeld
Jim & Jean Southard
Kevin McMillen
Angela Thomson
Roxanne Beal
Christine Maino
Linda Martins
John & Patricia Biasuzzi
Doug Hindley
Ned Blais, Blais Insurance
Diane Prete
Matt Guerra
Marilyn Clement
$25-49
Ken Shorten
Nina Ricci
Tom & Barbara Comer
Linda Gabriel
Elaine Osborne
Janet Zwolinski
Seth Hamilton
Ed O'Neill
Arthur & Marilyn Fletcher
Keith Macksoud
|
|
|
15 YEARS:
A LOOK BACK AT THE FIRST YEAR
|
|
Friends of Hearthside held its first meeting on
March 14, 2001. The group of some 40 residents from Lincoln and nearby towns gathered together to see how they could help be a part of "
bringing Hearthside to life." The enthusiasm was infectious. Ideas were flowing faster than anyone could keep up with. It was clear right from the start that our
volunteers had a vision. Although we started with
zero resources, this beautiful home was just
brimming with possibilities. And not much has changed over the last 15 years as far as that goes! This
energy and commitment has continued. What has happened is an
amazing journey of growth which has propelled Hearthside from a vacant building into becoming a
well-respected and award-winning house museum which is being carefully restored and attracting
thousands of visitors each year to discover just how enjoyable history can be.
Highlights of our first year:
- Opened the doors to the public for the first time on May 6 for an Afternoon Tea--3 seatings of 70 guests each seating: 210 ladies! Had to borrow tables, chairs, china tea cups, silverware, and furnishings!
- Followed 4 weeks later with a Garden Party & Ice Cream Social
- Held a Fall Festival of Crafts featured a dozen craftspeople demonstrating their craft
- Decorated two floors of the house, using real greens, and held 2 Christmas openings in Dec. which brought in 1,400 visitors.
- Organized volunteers into committees and formed a board of directors.
- Developed a mission statement, created bylaws and formed a nonprofit charitable organization.
- Began to furnish the house with bits and pieces, donated or borrowed.
- Initiated a regular schedule of publicity in local newspapers
- Successful grant application of $55,000 to fund our first project: restoration of a roof rafter
- Received a grant for a project with Roger Williams University to conduct historical research to prioritize and guide the restoration of the house and the beginnings of research on the families who lived here.
- Opened a Gift Shop with two tables and some Hearthside tee-shirts, home-made items.
- Initiated memberships
- Sponsored raffles and baskets during events
- Rented out the house for the first time
- Earned $1,300 in income for the year and opened a bank account.
|
| RECIPROCAL MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT PROVIDES FREE ADMISSION AT PARTNER SITES |
Here's a new benefit for our
members of Friends of Hearthside. With your
Membership Card you may take the opportunity during 2016 to visit with free admission some other historic and cultural sites around the state that are part of a new marketing alliance, the
RI Alliance. This is an effort to not only show appreciation to our
loyal members, but also to provide access to other sites in the same way you have with Hearthside. The sites rotate monthly, offering opportunities all year long. Since April is Hearthside's turn to welcome other institutions' members, we are offering free tours for these members at our April 10th Tour Day.
Participating sites that Hearthside's members may want to visit include:
Slater Mill (this month's featured site),
Coggeshall Farm Museum,
Blithewold,
RI Historical Society,
John Brown House,
Museum of Work & Culture, and the
Providence Children's Museum. Other sites may be added through the year.
This benefit is for our current paid members. V
alid proof of membership and photo ID are required when visiting other participating museums.
JOIN AS A MEMBER OF HEARTHSIDE NOW
|
| A LOOK AHEAD AT WHAT'S COMING UP |
 |
|
 |
|
TOUR DAY
SUN. APRIL 10
1-4 p.m.
Reciprocal Memberships Recognized for Free Tours
Hearthside welcomes guests who are members from participating museums in the RI Marketing Alliance as well as our own members for free admission. General admission for all others. Exhibit continues from Women's History Month.
|
Friends of Hearthside
Volunteer/Member Meeting
SAT. APRIL 23
10 a.m.
at Hearthside
Hearthside volunteers meet on a regular basis to discuss and plan upcoming activities. This meeting will focus on the spring and summer events, as well as maintenance projects. Anyone with an interest in becoming involved is welcome to attend.
|
AN AFTERNOON TEA
DOWNTON STYLE
SAT. MAY 7
12:30 & 2:30 seatings
Enjoy an afternoon tea in celebration of Downton Abbey's popular run on PBS. We take a look at the fashions that were featured during the period in which the show's story took place 1912-1925.
Tickets for our most popular annual event go on sale to members on March 31st, and to the general public on
April 7th.
|
|
|
|
REAP THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
|
|
Don't miss out on sold-out events in the coming year! Our
members get the advantage of
purchasing tickets before they go on sale to the public. And our members enjoy
discounts on those tickets, in the
gift shop, and
free tours on tour days. And as explained above, Hearthside's members may take tours at some of Rhode Island's
other great historic sites!
A Basic Membership with benefits for one adult starts at just
$25. You can play an important role in helping to preserve history for the next generation by becoming a Member today!
Click Here to Join as a Member
or mail a check to Friends of Hearthside, Inc., 757 Great Road, Lincoln, RI 02865
Stay tuned for other benefits coming soon........
|
| Like I always say.....there's always something happening at Hearthside!
Sincerely,
Kathy Hartley
Founder, President & CEO
Friends of Hearthside, Inc.
The mission of the Friends of Hearthside, Inc. is to preserve, protect, promote, and interpret the heritage of the Hearthside Homestead (b.1810) and the Great Road Historic District through living history programs and events.
|
|
|
|
|
