Jennifer,
Does the house have access to electrical outlets? There are lots of candle-flame bulbs that can be used with candlestick-like lamps/chandeliers. If no electricity inside, then I can recommend using battery-operated candles. We use them
for some of our evening events and they are pretty effective, especially for the authenticity of candlelight. Just google “battery operated flickering led candle with timer” and you can see a lot of different options.
We also resort to docents with flashlights – a tried and true low-tech solution.
----------------
Robin Gabriel
Executive Director
Kaminski House Museum
Georgetown, SC
From: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
On Behalf Of Jennifer Roesch
Sent: Wednesday, July 18, 2018 5:56 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Lighting historic house museums
Hi all,
Our 18th-century historic house museum lacks artificial lighting of any kind, causing an obvious issue during the winter season or evenings when the natural light outside does not suffice. We have temporarily been using modern lamps but
are looking for budget-friendly solutions to keep our historic house light inside when it’s dark outside. What have other historic houses done to creatively light their museum while having the central focus remain on the historic structure and period furnishings?
Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated!
Jennifer Roesch
Shirley-Eustis House
Roxbury, MA