PLEASE NOTE: This schedule is from 2012.
Please check back in November for specifics about the 2013 celebration.
Dates for this year are December 6, 2013– January 5, 2014.
We look forward to seeing you for the Magic of Christmas.
December is particularly delight-filled at the Museum.
In the historic rooms of the Florence Griswold House, visitors can see how families celebrated Christmas in 1910, as historically accurate decorations reveal homespun creativity and the use of surprising materials. The 1910 time period was an important era for the Griswold House, as it was the heyday of its use as boardinghouse for the artists of the Lyme Art Colony.
Christmas was also Miss Florence’s birthday! She was 60 years old in 1910.
Four designers lavishly decorate Fantasy Trees to delight and inspire.
This year's designers:
Connie Beale, Button, Chester
Abby Block, Erik Block Design-Build, LLC, Hadlyme
Matthew Greene, Lisbon
Robin Zingone, robinzingone, Chester
Check back for pictures!
Miss Florence’s Artist Tree is back for its ninth year. This year’s additions bring the count to over 130 painted palettes by artists from across the country who have donated works to this one-of-a-kind tradition. The 12-foot tree has become a holiday icon for the region. The idea of artists painting on palettes relates directly to the Museum’s history as the center for the Lyme Art Colony, and alludes to the doors and wooden wall panels the artists painted throughout Miss Florence's boardinghouse over a hundred years ago. The palette artists’ styles and subject matter are as varied as the individuals. Oils, acrylics, watercolors, ceramics, and collage are used to transform the palettes into traditional holiday scenes, delightful landscapes, and more than a few surprises!
The Magic of Christmas exhibition is generously sponsored by Essex Savings Bank and Essex Financial Services
FAMILY PROGRAMS
Sundays, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and January 6
Joy in the Making: A Creative Approach to the Holidays
Included with Museum Admission
Sunday visitors make mirth and more during these fun-filled holiday craft workshops. Come delight in several creative projects relating to thespirit of the season and the decorations on view.
CHRISTMASTIME TEAS
Tuesdays through Saturdays
December 4 – 22
3pm
$35 (members $30) Reservations required, call 860-434-5542 x 111.
The fee includes admission to the Museum and a 10% discount in the Museum Shop.
Celebrate the holidays in style at one of the Museum’s afternoon teas prepared by Gourmet Galley, a caterer known for their delicious flavors and impeccable presentations. Delectables scones with clotted cream, assorted tea sandwiches, and cookies are accompanied by “Miss Florence’s Tea,” a special blend from Sundial Gardens.
Happy Birthday Miss Florence
Thursday, December 27
10am-4pm
Included with Museum Admission
A Hands-On Creative Birthday Party
Celebrate Miss Florence’s birthday during this daylong birthday party in the Museum’s Education Center. Come for cake and stay for a variety of hands-on creative projects that honor the woman who started it all.
Harp music will be featured in the Griswold House from 11am-3pm.
Afternoon Tea
Sunday, January 6
2pm
$35 ($30)
SOLD OUT
The fee includes admission to the Museum and a 10% discount in the Museum Shop.
Downton Abbey Day
Join fellow Downton Abbey friends and aficionados for afternoon tea before the debut of Season 3 in America. Celebrate the return to Edwardian elegance in style at one of the Museum’s afternoon teas prepared by Gourmet Galley. Teas feature a selection of signature savories and sweets, and are accompanied by “Miss Florence’s Tea,” a special blend from Sundial Gardens.
