HEARTHSIDE HOUSE MUSEUM NEWSLETTER
"The House That Love Built"    Vol. 9, Issue 10          Nov.-Dec. 2016

This week especially is the time of year to pause and reflect on all we have to be thankful for.  Let me count the ways. It starts with my family who support my passion for preserving Hearthside and are most understanding of the hours I spend doing this, and without that support, there is no way that this organization could have grown as quickly as it has.

Next, I continue to be amazed at the growing numbers of volunteers stepping forward to help, whether lending a hand or providing expertise, we have a great team behind this massive effort. Our board members help to serve as staff, since we don't have any, adding many hours to their already busy careers.  Docents are diligent about studying the history of the house, or topics of our exhibits, and take great pride in getting outfitted in period costume to enhance the visitors' experience, again giving up lots of their time and resources toward their role. Our teams of volunteers who work behind the scenes and in between events are critically important to having everything run smoothly and having the house presented at its very best, yet they often don't get recognized. Whether long-time friends or new volunteers, our volunteers' enthusiasm and dedication to Hearthside is contagious and our visitors recognize it.   

I'm grateful especially to our loyal members and donors who generously give funds to allow us to provide programs and operate the organization.  And the many donors who discount or provide free services, products, or artifacts which helps to expand our capability tremendously.   It is clear that we could not do what we do without the combined efforts of all! So thank you to each and every one of you who call yourselves a "friend" of Hearthside. I appreciate each and every one!

Earlier this month I attended the New England Museum Association annual conference in Mystic, along with about 950 other museum professionals from throughout the region.  This gathering remains to be one of the best educational and networking experiences, especially for a small organization like ours.  When I started Friends of Hearthside 15 years ago, I had no training as a museum professional, nor did I have a background in public history. In fact, I didn't even enjoy history back then.  But through the years, I have developed a thirst for learning as much as I can about history and have gained all my museum knowledge from workshops at these conferences, along with "on-the-job" training.  I return from the conference more inspired than ever to implement new ideas in order to continue to grow our museum into the best in the region. 

As we enter the last month of the year, the Christmas festivities are just about upon us.....can't believe it begins already next week! 

Long-time volunteer Dennis Przybyla, begins to decorate the library with a collection of Christmas village houses.
The house is all decked out, and just like with all our other events, seems to improve with each passing year.  We have some new features to our holiday events too.  If you are among those who visit during the holidays as one of your traditions, you'll want to make sure to review the schedule and select which event appeals the most to your interests.

The "House That Love Built" is simply glowing during the Christmas season.  For our members, we offer special opportunities to enjoy the house without the public crowds.  I hope that if you are a member, we can thank you in person for your support.  

For all, please come visit and let the beauty and spirit of the season fill your heart.

Thank you to all readers of this newsletter for your ongoing interest and support of our mission.  I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving and a most joyous holiday season!
In This Issue

         Upcoming  

     Event Schedule

Thurs. Dec. 1  Membership Holiday Preview Reception***

Sat. Dec. 3            American Girl Doll Christmas Party***

Sun. Dec. 4               Season Opening - "Clara's Dream Comes Alive" +

Sat. Dec. 10                       An Old-Fashioned Christmas Candlelight Tours

Sun. Dec. 11                      An Old-Fashioned Christmas

Wed. Dec. 28               Home for the Holidays Candlelight Guided Tours+

Fri. Dec. 30  
Home for the Holidays Guided Candlelight Tours+


+ Call to reserve tour time

**Advance ticket purchase only

*** Members Only
Connect with Us
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS JUST FOR OUR MEMBERS
An Evening Reception to Preview our Holiday Decorations

In appreciation for member loyalty, Friends of Hearthside hosts an annual complimentary VIP reception.  This year's event takes place on  Thursday,  December 1st from 6:00-8:30 p.m. 

Members will be invited to see  Hearthside in its holiday splendor at the start of the season before the public.  This exclusive event is  open only to members who are current  in their annual dues.   Members of the board of directors will be on hand to personally thank members and discuss our future plans for Hearthside and the other properties we care for under our stewardship.  It's a great time to visit in a relaxing atmosphere before the hectic period before the holidays sets in, and perfect for getting into the spirit!  Kindly respond so that we may have an idea of how many we can expect to attend.

Attention:  Fans of American Girl Dolls!  A Special Christmas Party Just for You!  

Also just for our members is an invitation for the  American Girl Doll Christmas Party  on  Saturday afternoon, December 3rd.   This event will include  two seatings , each limited to just 20 girls ages 5-10, accompanied by an adult and her doll.  The party includes story time with a special historic message, hot chocolate and cupcakes (and one with a special prize inside), Christmas sing-along, a visit and picture with Santa, a favor, and viewing the beautiful holiday decorations as well as shopping for a doll outfit in the gift shop.  Tickets are $28 for an adult/child pair.  This is one of three American Girl Doll events hosted by Hearthside during the year, so if you have a young girl who owns one of these dolls, being a member makes alot of sense.  You get early advantage of ticket sales and at a discount!

So if your membership is expiring, or you've let it lapse, now is the time to consider getting up to date with your duesClick here if you wish to become a member and make payment online, or simply mail in a check made payable to Friends of Hearthside, 757 Great Road, Lincoln, RI 02865.   Invitations to both events will be sent out upon receipt of your membership payment.
CELEBRATE THE TRADITIONS OF CHRISTMAS AT HEARTHSIDE    
From the cozy fire welcoming guests in from the cold to the stunning decorations throughout the house, Hearthside is the perfect setting for celebrating this favorite season.    

A nostalgic experience sure to bring back family memories awaits as you travel from room to room to view beautifully-appointed Christmas trees, gaily decorated mantels, bright poinsettia plants, garlands adorning the staircases and doorways, and touches of old-fashioned ornamentation.   The dining room table will be set for an elegant Christmas dinner. In the Colonial kitchen, enjoy holiday cheer with a yuletide treat. Old-fashioned toys and dolls along with bright paper packages sit under the trees. Musical tributes to the season are heard on the antique piano, the soft sounds of the harp, and young voices with traditional caroling. Learn from festively costumed interpreters about the wonderful traditions of Christmas and how they developed.

 
Sunday, Dec. 4   2 - 6 p.m.    "The Nutcracker:  Clara's Dream Comes Alive"

Hearthside opens its doors to the holiday season by joining together two great Christmas classics.  Performers from Lincoln's Heritage Ballet bring to life the story of The Nutcracker in our festively decorated historic setting.

As visitors stroll through on a self-guided, they will hear the enchanting story about the little girl named Clara who receives a Nutcracker from her godfather for Christmas as told by each of the dancers situated in rooms throughout the house.  See the story's favorite characters, such as the Nutcracker soldiers, the Mouse Queen, Clara, and the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy magically come to life in each of the rooms. Santa will also be there to welcome children.

Beginning at 2:00, there will be tour groups of limited size starting every half hour with the last admittance at 5:00.   To reserve, call 726-0597 or click here to email Hearthside .    

   
Saturday, December 10    4 - 7 p.m.   "An Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration by Candlelight"

The treasured elegance of Christmas is truly appreciated by the amber glow of candlelight and the twinkling lights of the ornate trees, adding even greater warmth to this beautiful home. Traditional caroling will greet visitors arriving between 4-6 p.m. and the sounds of the season will be performed on Hearthside's antique piano throughout the evening.  Stroll through the house on a self-guided tour.  Capture memories with a family photograph in front of one of the beautiful Christmas trees by the fire.  Our photographer will be on hand to take the pictures which will be sent to you for a small donation of $10.  Enjoy hot cider and a cookie in the Colonial kitchen and plan a visit with the Victorian Santa.
    
Sunday, December 11       2 - 6 p.m.  "An Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration"

A selection of seasonal sounds will be featured on Hearthside's antique piano, only played at Christmastime. Later in the afternoon, the music room is filled with the beautiful sounds of the harp performed between 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.  Guests are invited to enjoy the music and to stroll through the house in a self-guided tour to discover the dazzling beauty that each room holds and learn about the beginnings of where our popular Christmas traditions came from.   This is the last chance to visit with Santa before Christmas and to have a family picture taken by our photographer.   


Wednesday, December 28 and Friday, December 30    4 - 7 p.m.   "Home for the Holidays Candlelight Tours"

Before the end of the season and once the holiday rush is over, there is still time to visit Hearthside to enjoy the decorations.  These candlelight tours will be the only time during the month that a fully-guided tour given by the costumed interpreters about the history of the house will be given.  It's a chance for an evening out with family, house guests, or an opportunity to see the decorations if you didn't get a chance earlier in the season. Advance reservations are required since space is limited for each tour.  Tours are given every half hour starting at 4:00 p.m. with the last one at 6:00 p.m. and last one hour.  To reserve, call 726-0597 or click here to email Hearthside.


Admission for all tours is $10; $5 for ages 10-17 and under 10 are free.   Our Members are free for the pre-Christmas tours and $5 for the Home for the Holidays post-Christmas guided tours.
STUCK ON GIFT IDEAS?  SHOP AT THE HEARTHSIDE GIFT SHOP
While visiting Hearthside this season, be sure to spend some time browsing through our Gift Shop.  You'll be sure to find some unique items for someone hard to buy for, or for yourself.  If nothing strikes your fancy, consider a Hearthside  Membership as a gift.  Package it up with a history book about Hearthside, or an Hearthside keepsake  ornament, or a variety of handmade ornaments, and it makes a perfect gift.  Our new  cookbook is also a unique choice, or for the tea lover, we have a selection of beautiful  tea cups to choose from.  Add in a fancy teaspoon, or a tea cozy to keep the teapot warm, and you've got another thoughtful gift to give.

Reproductions of four of  David Davidson's famous hand-tinted photographs of Hearthside, or  notecards featuring scenes of Hearthside are also popular.  There are  colonial toys and
hurdy-gurdy music boxes for kids and  old-fashioned candy for everyone.  gift certificate for
classes in handforging at the original Hannaway Blacksmith Shop is also a great idea, and a popular choice as a gift this time of year for anyone over the age of 11.  

Remember, we also offer a selection of gift shop  items on our website , so you can order online!

With any purchase, you are  supporting the museum , so we THANK YOU for your purchase!!
 ADDITIONAL PROJECTS ENHANCE HEARTHSIDE INSIDE & OUT
After the major projects completed this year with the restoration of the front porch roof and painting of the exterior woodwork, we didn't think there would be any more projects that would be undertaken.  But, we were wrong!

A longtime project that had to take lower priority because of the more immediate structural needs of the house was the outdoor lighting.  Installed years ago, the fixtures were no longer working properly and little by little we were losing brightness around the house.  This was a critical need both for safety and security.  In October, our board voted to expend $3,000 from program revenue earned this year to address the situation.  I'm happy to report that all new fixtures have now been installed and lighting has even been expanded to include the far side and back of the house. The unique architectural details of the house and roof are featured with the landscape lighting.  Happily this was all done in time for our Christmas season!

A late 19th century kitchen cabinet, in very poor condition, was in line to be tossed out.  However, the beautiful details of it were evident.  Since we were in need of a cabinet in an empty corner of the kitchen and this one had the right dimensions, this seemed to be a good solution if only it could be restored.  Thanks to a generous donor and a restorer willing to work with us to provide his services at a reasonable cost, the cabinet will be a beautiful addition to Hearthside's kitchen when we re-open in March 2017.  Best part of all is that the c.1890 cabinet originally was part of the Chase Farm House and would have belonged to my great-grandparents, probably when they were first married and moved into their new home in 1894.  

Our final project is one that we have sought to undertake for years now, and despite many pleas for help, had not received any response.....until now.  It was only through a casual visit from someone passing by the house that resulted in an offer from T & K Handyman to build us a new miniature "Hearthside" house.  This will replace the model that was built 20 years ago for one-time use on a parade float, but was so popular that we've kept it in the yard for all to enjoy.  It was especially loved by young girls during our American Girl Doll events as they posed on the front porch of the model with their dolls.  

Stay tuned to see pictures in the coming months of how these two projects are progressing!
 MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS
         

"THE NUTCRACKER: CLARA'S DREAM COMES ALIVE"  

With special appearance by performers from Heritage Ballet

Sun. Dec. 4       2 - 6 p.m.


Groups admitted every half hour. Call to reserve spot.  






CELEBRATE "AN OLD- FASHIONED CHRISTMAS" AT HEARTHSIDE

 
Dec. 10    4 - 7 p.m.
              Old Fashioned    
              Christmas Candlelight      
  Dec. 11     2 - 6 p.m.
              Old-Fashioned 
              Christmas

Self-guided tours; music;
hot cider and cookies


             
   
" HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS"     CANDLELIGHT TOURS

Dec. 28    4:00, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. tours 

Dec. 30      4:00, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. tours 

Call to reserve spot.  Group size limited.  Tour length one hour.

 A GLIMPSE OF RECENT EVENTS

 The month of October featured our 6th annual Gone But Not Forgotten:  Victorian Mourning & Funeral Customs.  The exhibit has expanded with each year and from reports by our visitors, this year was the best yet!  On November 12th, Hearthside hosted its annual fundraising Dinner Party, with the menu taken from our recently released "From Hearth Side to Stove Top" cookbook. It was a full house, with a waiting list, and most successful.  Enjoy some photos from both of these unique events!
A display of coffin  handles saved by parents as mementos of their children were of great interest to visitors.    Photo by Susan Gonsalves


A child's coffin with post-mortem photographs underscored the reality of childhood mortality in the 19th century.     Photo by David Cruz



This guest brought her own exhibit- a tintype photo of her ancestor in mourning attire wearing the same necklace which she wore, a perfect example of jewelry made from the deceased's hair. 
Photo by Bev Cournoyer

Looking quite somber were docents Dani  Cournoyer and Jenna Alessandro.  
 Photo by David Cruz

                
Docent Lydia Mattera explains the traditional wake as these guests read about Simon Thornton, the homeowner who died in 1873 at Hearthside and was being "waked" during our exhibit.  Fresh flowers were provided by Bellows Funeral Home.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves
                
Docent Emma Benun reviews the etiquette of mourning as prescribed by Queen Victoria. An extensive collection of mourning attire was on display to illustrate the 

Photo by Justin Baro
Docent Ron Deighan, as the undertaker, poses by the embalming table set up by the bed.
 Photo by David Cruz
Visitors were quite curious about the post-mortem photographs on display.  Docent Michelle Scully was the interpreter in this room.
Photo by Justin Baro
Docent Christine Maino pauses in the dining room in her explanation of cemetaries and memorials.
Photo by Justin Baro
Ladies in mourning (L to R): Lydia Mattera, Mary Concannon, Kate Grist, Bev Cournoyer and Estelle Barada.  Photo by Susan Gonsalves
  
One example of funerary art is shown in a framed memorial.
Photo by Susan Gonsalves
Among jewelry and items on display were men's and ladies tear catchers, popular in the 19th century, which were used to capture tears from grieving family members and sprinkled on the grave on the one year anniversary of the death.  
Photo by Susan Gonsalves

The Victorian Dinner Party on Nov. 12th featured this elegant table setting .  Photo by David Cruz
A special treat at the Dinner Party was live classical music.  
Photo by  David Cruz
A gathering of chefs in the kitchen.  
L to R:  Luis Villifane, Sous Chef;
Frank Williams, Dessert Chef; Nate Martins, Guest Chef; and John Scanlon, Executive Chef.
Photo by David Cruz
Elegant candelabras and dozens of candles provided the intimate atmosphere for the elegant dinner party.  Photo by David Cruz

 JOIN NOW AND BECOME A VIP TO RECEIVE  EXCLUSIVE INVITATIONS  

Membership does have its benefits.  Not only are you supporting Hearthside so that we may continue to open the doors and provide the community with tours, unique programs and events that raise funds for its preservation, but YOU get advantages.

         Advance purchase on special event tickets---our members got the chance to buy 
tickets to   the Downton Abbey Tea, the Wine & Chocolate Tasting, the American Girl Doll Tea,  Roland Comtois spiritual medium, the American Girl Doll Garden Party, and  the  Victorian Dinner Party.  Space is limited during these types of events so  having the opportunity to purchase earlier guarantees a seat!

Exclusive Events---only members may purchase tickets to our holiday event - the American Girl Doll Christmas Party on Dec. 3rd, and only members are invited to attend a VIP Holiday Preview Reception taking place on December 1st as our thank you for supporting Hearthside throughout the year.
       
Discounts  ---our members get 10% discounted pricing on tickets for special events as 
well  as in our Gift Shop.

Free Tours ---our members were given free admittance to our regular guided tour 
days;  depending upon level of membership, members brought along additional guests. R eciprocal tours were offered at other historic sites through our association with the RI Historic  Sites Coalition. 
 

Click here to Join as a Member Today.  Basic membership starts at just $25, family at $50, contributor at $75.  

Give today to make sure Hearthside continues to thrive! 

We very much appreciate each and every member, and donor!  
As they say, there's always something happening at Hearthside...come join us this holiday season!
  
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.