Ventfort Hall Presents A Home For The Holidays
LENOX, Mass - Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum will present “A Home for the Holidays” starting Nov 28th to mid-January, 2009. The Victorian-era mansion will be beautifully decorated and will host a number of special events to enliven the season.The halls will be decked throughout public areas of the 1893 manor house including the magnificent dining room festooned for a grand holiday meal by Country Dining Room Antiques of Great Barrington; an American Girl® Christmas tree decorated with charming Gilded Age ornaments hand made by Ventfort Hall’s American Girl program participants; antique train replicas, featuring one gleaming engine that is 10 feet long, (a real Polar Express!) and more.
In addition, the ongoing exhibit of Les Petites Dames de Mode (The Little Ladies of Fashion), a world-class display of sixty 29”-tall Victorian ladies in exquisitely detailed costumes makes for a Victorian holiday feast for the eyes.
The season kicks off on Sunday December 7th from 2:00 pm to 5:00pm with a “mini” Nutcracker Ballet, performed by the American Dance Institute. This event includes a Victorian Tea with Cocoa, Mulled Cider and plenty of goodies. Tickets are $15 for members, $18 non-members, $7 children under 12.
On Saturday December 27th and Monday December 29th at 3:00pm Carl Sprague will return with his popular old-world marionette shows. A rendition of the classic fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk will delight children of all ages. Tickets are $12 for members, $15 non-members, $5 children age 6 and up, and free for 5 and under.
On the evening of Sunday December 28th composer and pianist Jakov Jakoulov will present a concert/lecture titled “The Neglected Art: The World of Classical Improvisation” starting at 6:00pm, followed by a wine and cheese reception. Tickets are $20.
During Christmas Week from December 26 through 31st, the acclaimed play The Belle of Amherst, will be presented. Normi Noel returns to Ventfort Hall to direct as does actress Ann Undeland who will recount the fascinating story of Emily Dickinson. Tickets are $20.
Free hot mulled cider will also be included with each paid tour admission on weekends and the week of December 26th through December 31st.
Ventfort Hall, located at 104 Walker Street , Lenox, MA., is open daily year-round (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.) Hourly guided tours are available on weekends starting at 10:00 am with the last tour at 3:00pm. Self-guided tours are available Mon-Fri from 10:00am to 5:00pm or weekends 10am to 3pm. Information and reservations at 413-637-3206 or www.GildedAge.org.
