We have tea/chocolate parties at two of our historic sites.  When the girls arrive, they are brought into the basement or the reception center which is where the dancing and etiquette lessons, and poppet/hat making take place.  They are given a tour of the historic house/exhibit floors and told about how what they're doing relates to practices in the colonial and federal periods.  They then sit down to tea or chocolate with their new finery and are expected to show off their new manners.  Parents are usually not allowed to participate but may sit off to the side to watch.  Some times we have small outdoor activities that go along with this such as colonial games.  We don't allow food in the exhibit floors though as we have original floors. These are some of our most popular programs.  They go over well for girl scouts and home school groups.
 
Meredith
Curatorial Assistant
 
Virginia Beach Historic Houses
3131 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Phone: 757-431-4000
Fax: 757-431-3733
Email: [log in to unmask]

________________________________

From: Museum discussion list on behalf of Amy Smith
Sent: Fri 1/12/2007 3:23 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Historic sites and parties


Does anyone allow birthday parties or do Victorian tea parties at their historic sites?  If so will you please share your experiences and guidelines.  
 
Thank you.
 
Amy Smith
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