Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum Explores Mark Twain’s Victorian Holiday Traditions

On Wednesday, November 12, 2014, 11 a.m. at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Avenue in Norwalk, CT, Curator Patricia Philippon will give a talk entitled, A Clemens Christmas, which will highlight the Christmas celebrations that took place in the Hartford home of Mark Twain.

This lecture will discuss Victorian holiday traditions, as well as provide a virtual walk-through of the Clemens 19- room, Tiffany-decorated mansion decked out for the family's holiday celebrations, from 1874 to 1891, when the author, his wife, and three daughters lived in the house. 

This lecture will lead the audience throughout the house, starting with a "kissing ball" of mistletoe and the home's massive staircase wreathed in garlands and ribbons. Along with the holiday decorations Ms. Philippon will discuss Clemens’ own holiday sentiments and introduce lecture goers to Mark Twain’s storytelling side, his humor, and his endearing thoughts on this cherished family tradition.

Patricia Philippon is the Executive Director of the American Clock & Watch Museum in Bristol, Connecticut and was the chief curator of The Mark Twain House & Museum from 2007 to 2014. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from Providence College, RI and a Masters in Art History from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA.          

This will be the sixth in a series of lectures entitled, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion: Seventy-Four Years of Culture - Art, Life, and Love, 1864-1938 by curators and experts in the field of Victorian era material life. The lectures are $25 for members, $30 for non-members per session. Please RSVP by Friday, November 7, 2014. The price includes lecture, lunch and a first floor Mansion tour.  Lunch is courtesy of Michael Gilmartin's Outdoor Cookers.  The chair of the Lecture Committee is Mimi Findlay of New Canaan. Please contact info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com or 203-838-9799, ext. 4 to purchase tickets.

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark.  For more information on schedules and programs please visit: www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, e-mail info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call 203-838-9799.

Renowned Author to Lecture on Celebrated Gilded Age Romance at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum

On Wednesday, September 10, 2014, 11 a.m., at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Avenue in Norwalk, CT, author Jean Zimmerman will give a talk entitled, Love Fiercely: A Gilded Age Romance. A book signing courtesy of Elm Street Books in New Canaan will follow the lecture.

A famous John Singer Sargent portrait inspired Ms. Zimmerman to research its subjects and write their love story. Edith Minturn was a beautiful heiress and Isaac Newton Phelps Stokes, a wealthy young architect. Contemporaries of the Astors and the Vanderbilts, Stokes became a passionate preserver of New York history, Minturn the supermodel of their day, and together they battled on behalf of New York's poor and powerless as reformers. This lecture will explore the couple's era and their world, one of fantastic wealth, when a Madison Avenue scion was moved to create model tenements and a beautiful heiress found herself cast in gold, floating above the modern landscape of America.

This will be the fourth in a series of lectures entitled, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion: Seventy-Four Years of Culture - Art, Life, and Love, 1864-1938 by curators and experts in the field of Victorian era material life. The lectures are $25 for members, $30 for non-members per session. Please RSVP by Friday, September 5, 2014. The price includes lecture, lunch and a first floor Mansion tour. Lunch is courtesy of Michael Gilmartin's Outdoor Cookers. The chair of the Lecture Committee is Mimi Findlay of New Canaan. Please contact info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com or 203-838-9799, ext. 4 to purchase tickets.

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark. For more information on schedules and programs please visit: www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, e-mail info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call 203-838-9799.

Victorian Ice Cream Social at Lockwood Mathews Mansion

On June 22, 2014, 12-5 p.m., the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum located on 295 West Ave. in Norwalk will recreate the atmosphere of a bygone era in Mathews Park by bringing back a highlight of summer during the Gilded Age from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Children will play popular Victorian lawn games such as croquet and badminton and participate in turn-of-the-century activities like Maypole dancing. Visitors will learn how ice cream was made in the mid-to-late nineteenth century and how it became widely popular with the invention of the hand-cranked ice cream machine.

Featured entertainment will include: James Miller and his antique "High Wheeler" bicycles, (a 1887 New Mail and an 1898 Liberty Tribune made in Bridgeport, CT); music by The Norwalk Community Chorale and the Usual Suspects Barbershop Quartet; 15 year old magician Ben Zabin; illusionist, juggler, comedian Jason Pipitone; and much more.

LMMM's costumed historical interpreters will wander through the crowds, interacting with children and adults alike while they bring the Mansion's history to life. Palm readers will tell the future as visitors explore the past, Irene and Gisella Surapine will offer face painting to children of all ages, and Victorian interpreters Paul and Hadley Veeder will narrate the Mouse Mansion story written by author Judith Rodriguez. A children's hat contest for 12 year olds and under will feature special prizes for the most original creations.

While general admission to the event is free and so are selected programs, the museum will charge for some of the activities and for all food sold during the event. Tickets will be available at LMMM's booths at the designated locations in Mathews Park. The Museum will be open for mini-tours. Guests will be invited to walk throughout the Museum's period rooms on the first floor and enjoy the beauty of this Victorian era Mansion for only $5.

For more information on the schedule of events, food stands, and prices please email us at info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com or visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com.

For information on Fairfield County www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com 
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Celebrate the Holidays at the Lockwood Mathews Mansion in Norwalk Dec. 15

The holiday season is in full swing on December 15 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum located on 295 West Ave. in Norwalk www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.  The Mansion is hosting the annual and very festive Holiday Open House that is fun for the entire family and especially geared toward children.

Photo credit Jennifer Rose

The celebration begins with Santa Claus who will make his appearance at the Mansion from 12:15 p.m.- 1:15 p.m. Santa will spend a full hour at the Mansion greeting children and hearing their Christmas wishes before he heads back to the North Pole.

Santa’s departure is followed by Story Time at the Mansion from 1:15 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Kids will listen, sing, dance and “shake” along with Vicki Oatis, Director of Children’s Library Services at the Norwalk Public Library as she reads books about the holidays, sings classic holiday songs, and moves and grooves with jingle bells and egg shakers. Kids will enjoy the story of Olivia Helps with Christmas, written by Ian Falconer, a former resident of Rowayton. A series of fun and magical books will be read, and stories will be told using a magnetic board. All rhymes and songs will be interactive and easy to follow along.

Photo credit: Jennifer Rose

Making Merry at the Mansion takes place from 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. and includes the talented voices of the Matthew Surapine Studio.  This performance is sure to spread holiday cheer and spirit amid the beautiful surroundings of this landmark historic museum. Selections will be taken from seasonal music and will include favorites from our rich musical theater heritage, as well as from the great American Songbook.

After all this entertainment, what could be better than the Doll and Teddy Bear Victorian Tea Party that begins at 3:15 p.m. and ends around 4:00 p.m.  Children are encouraged to dress up, bring a favorite bear, a doll, or a toy, and practice good etiquette, as the Mansion continues its tradition of high tea during the holiday season. A tea party bingo will end this playful event with lots of prizes. Seating is limited. Please RSVP.

General Admission tickets to the Holiday Open House at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum are $5.  Tickets to the Victorian Tea are $10 (advance ticket reservation and purchase required).

For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Photo Credit: Jennifer Rose

About the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark.  Tours for the museum and holiday exhibit are offered Wednesdays through Sundays, at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.  Admittance is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for children.  Children under 8 are admitted free.  For more information, visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, e-mail info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call 203-838-9799. 

Old-Fashioned Flea Market at Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Sept. 15

If you like treasure hunts, the old-fashioned flea market taking place at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion located on 295 West Ave. in Norwalk in Mathews Park is an event that you won't want to miss. 

 The flea market is taking place on Sunday, September 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the grounds of the museum.

More than 80 vendors will be offering a variety of items from new to vintage, including antiques, repurposed furniture, collectibles, vintage jewelry, household items, clothing, and toys.  In addition, the Museum has donated 10 booths to area nonprofits that will exhibiting and be sharing their message with attendees.

While perusing the wares, shoppers will be able to view a display of antique and classic cars, have their children’s faces painted and enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers and pulled pork sandwiches at the all-American BBQ, courtesy of Michael Gilmartin Outdoor Cookers and Stew Leonard’s.  The Museum’s gift shop will also be open where shoppers can find fall-holiday items and other gifts such as vintage costume jewelry, porcelain teacups, and books on Victorian era art and architecture.  Proceeds from gift shop sales benefit the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum.

General admission to the event is free. The Museum will be open for mini-tours where guests are invited to walk throughout the Museum’s period rooms on the first floor and enjoy the beauty of the Victorian era building for  $5.  There will be docents available to answer any questions, and guests will have the chance to view the successful exhibit What Is It? Technologies and Discoveries of the Victorian Era that is closing October 6th.

About Lockwood Mathews Mansion

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark.  Tours for the museum and exhibit are offered Wednesdays through Sundays, at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.  Admittance is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for children.  Children under 8 are admitted free.  For more information, visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, e-mail info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call 203-838-9799.

For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Discover 19th Century Inventions at New Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum Exhibit

Technology is a major part of our lives and our culture and the Lockwood Mathews Mansion has put together an exhibit that explores the roots of today’s technology by displaying the “futuristic” inventions of the Victorian Era. 

The Mansion was ahead of its time and one of America's most technologically advanced buildings during the Civil War and the Victorian era so it makes the perfect backdrop for this new exhibit called What is It? Technologies and Discoveries of the Victoria Era.

Victorian era gadgets, technologies and breakthroughs will be on display at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum through October 6^th. What Is It? Technologies and Discoveries of the Victorian Era will tantalize student and adult audiences in the exploration of mid-to-late 19^th century inventions and discoveries in many diverse areas including communication, transportation, manufacturing, medicine, food and recreation. Visitors are sure to be surprised at how some of those historic breakthroughs are still very relevant today.

A highlight of the exhibit allows visitors to view cutting-edge Victorian Era technology that were precursors of some of today’s technologies, including telegraphs, Dictaphones, gas lighting and early examples of telephones, as well as burglar alarms, stock tickers and much more. Visitors will discover items still enjoyed today, from board games to food such as condensed milk and breakfast cocoa. 

Artifacts on display include loans from Connecticut's Mattatuck Museum and the Museum of American Finance, New York City, among others.

About the Lockwood Mathews Mansion

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark located at 295 West Avenue in Norwalk. Tours for the museum and exhibit are offered Wednesdays through Sundays, at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Admittance is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for children. Children under 8 are admitted free. For more information, visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call 203-838-9799.

Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum Announces New Season’s Events

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will reopen its doors in April for an eventful Spring season. This season, the Mansion will highlight Victorian era technology, a cutting-edge art movement called Steampunk, and a nod to the Mansion’s beginnings with its annual Victorian Tea.

What Is It? Technologies and Discoveries of the Victorian Era features 19th century technological and scientific marvels of the Mansion’s heyday that revolutionized the way people lived opens to the public on April 17th and runs through October 6, 2013.

Also in April, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum presents an exciting short-term exhibit, Steampunk: Nature & Machine. At this, the first Steampunk exhibit in Fairfield County, visitors will catch a view of this bold new style, a neo-retro aesthetic that borrows imagery from the Industrial Revolution and Victorian eras and has influenced everything from literature and product design to fashion and fine art. The exhibit will feature the art of renowned Steampunk artists Bruce Rosenbaum, Katie Shima and Leslie Mueller. There will be an opening reception on April 25, from 6:00 – 8:00pm. The exhibit runs until June 15.

Rounding out the 2013 spring season is the Mansion’s Victorian Tea on Sunday, May 5 at 2:00pm. The family-friendly event features a formal English tea in the Mansion’s Rotunda, including a wide selection of desserts, sandwiches, the traditional scones and cream, as well as music and other entertainment. The Tea is sponsored by Cottages & Gardens Publications and King Industries.

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark located at 295 West Avenue in Norwalk. Tours will begin in April and are offered Wednesdays through Sundays, at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.

For more information on tours and programs, visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, e-mail info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call 203-838-9799. For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

Antiques Appraisal Weekend and a Vintage & Designer Jewelry Sale at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will host its fourth annual Antiques Appraisal Weekend and launch its first Vintage & Designer Jewelry Sale on November 5 and 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 295 West Avenue, Norwalk, Conn.

In these harsh, recessionary times, most of us could benefit from discovering that we own a priceless family heirloom or a masterpiece picked up for just a few dollars at a garage sale, as it often happens on such popular TV shows as Pawn Stars or the Antiques Roadshow. Evaluating and selling antiques and collectibles however, is not just reality TV at its best, but a tangible opportunity for anyone living in the tri-State area.

On November 5 and 6 visitors to the Antiques Appraisal Weekend will find an outstanding line-up of experts that will be on hand for two full days to evaluate a wide range of antiques and collectibles including jewelry, fine art, furniture, books and documents, coins, pottery and China, silverware, sports memorabilia, toys, and more.

Appraisals are $15 for a small or medium size item and $40 for large antiques such as furniture, (maximum of three appraisals). One free $15 appraisal will be available for anyone who will become a new member of the Mansion, (an annual individual membership is $35). Jewelry and accessories start at $25. Antiques Appraisals proceeds will benefit the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum.

This year, this popular event will share the limelight with a Vintage & Designer Jewelry Sale, kicking off the Holiday Season with the Mansion as a ‘must go to’ shopping destination. The sale will feature a select group of sought-after designers and offer vintage and designer jewelry as well as one-of-a-kind accessories.

For a complete list of appraisers, jewelry designers, and information on their schedule at the Mansion, please visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com. The museum will be closed for tours on both days of appraisals on November 5th and 6th.

During the Antiques Appraisal Weekend the Museum Shop will be open to the public and offer an eclectic array of educational gifts and treasures to reflect the holiday spirit as well as the Museum’s featured exhibits. Victorian-style doll books and reproduction antique dolls will be on sale with other popular seasonal items such as ornaments, wreaths, gift baskets, tabletop decorations, children’s gifts, jewelry, and more. All proceeds will benefit the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum.