The dining room restoration was finished in May. As you can see from the before and after pictures not only did it get a “face-lift” but an entire transformation. From removing the mantel, new plaster and paint, total floor restoration and the list goes on and on. The amazing makeover can only be appreciated in person so, please stop by and see the finished product.
Before
After
As you may or may not know, the dining room at the Hill House Museum has been undergoing restoration which started in January 2017 and has been very expensive. On examination the Rosewood knife boxes will have to be professionally restored. Susan Hansen (Board Member) originally obtained an estimate five years ago from Monticello Antiques but the price of restoration has gone up ($575 a box). We are asking if you would consider contributing money towards the restoration to assist in defraying the cost to the Museum. Please contact me at lkillam@cox.net if you wish to contribute or have questions. Thank you in advance for considering this appeal.
Did you know the Hill House Museum has a cup and saucer used by Dolley Madison? When the Hill family's grandfather, Dr. William Collins, was the First Auditor of the US Treasury he lived in Washington D.C. for a few years. While living there, Dolley Madison visited the family, and had a serving of coffee with them. The cup and saucer are displayed in the Hill House dining room china closet. So, if in the neighborhood, stop by and check out this unique piece of history.
Mother's Day Tea 2017 in the Hill House Garden. 58 guests attended the Tea in honor of all the mothers. Guests were given a wide variety of food (see attached pic), a tour of the museum, and the opportunity to enjoy the sunny/warm day given by the greatest mother of all...Mother Nature!
Spring has sprung in the Hill House Garden. The flowers within the garden adorn, and add color to the museum's exterior. Many thanks to one of our board members, John Joyce, for the TLC he gives to the upkeep of the garden.
On Sunday, February 12, 2017, the Hill House Museum hosted a Valentine's Day Tea. Among those who attended was our newly elected mayor, John Rowe and his wife. Valentines were handed out to everyone, and guests were able to experience a behind the scenes tour of the dining room restoration.
Go onto Facebook and Like and Share us with your friends. Learn more about the Hill House Museum as we update our followers about events, restoration projects , and other exciting activities happening within the walls of the museum.
On Sunday, January 1, 2017 a private Titanic themed birthday party was hosted at the Hill House Museum. Guests dressed in period themed costumes. The menu consisted of a 7-course condensed version of a 1st class passenger meal. It was a great event, and unlike on the Titanic all guests left via the front door and not on life boats.
For the last few days in October the Hill House Museum invited guests to view the Hill House mourning textiles collection. On the first floor of the Hill House Museum guests were able to a view Victorian funeral scene. The scene had all the mirrors covered, a daguerreotype of a Hill Family member, and a woman dressed in mourning textiles. On the third floor the two bedrooms exhibited all of the mourning textiles and the textile on loan from the Hunter House Museum.
On October 26, 2016 Billy Earnest, portraying as Queen Victoria, greeted guests at the Museum. She showcased her mourning artifacts and spoke about her life during her reign in England.
Queen Victoria