Thanks to Keith Toler, Assistant Director for the City of Portsmouth's Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, and Ann Phillips Tours for stopping by the Hill House Museum today. Ann had some of her employeess tour the Museum in the hopes of making it a popular tourist destination.
Happy Birthday America
Since the 4th of July is upon us, did you know the 37 Star Flag became the Official United States Flag on July 4th 1867? A star was added for the admission of Nebraska (March 1st,1867) and was to last for ten years.
The Hill House owns one of these original flags as you can see from the attached pictures. This is another reason to visit the Hill House Museum because it is a true American Treasure. So, stop by this Saturday while on your extended long holiday weekend, and tour this grand American home.
Saturday noon-3:00
Our Amazing Docents!!!
The rich history of the Hill House Museum is also embedded within our docents. Two examples of this history are Lavern Harrell (left) and Macon Williams (right). Lavern is the current treasurer for the Museum and has been involved since the early 1990’s. Macon is 3rd generation involved with the Hill House and her knowledge is second to none! Guests who visited the Hill House today were greeted by these two incredible docents. In fact, among the visitors today was a lady from Ecuador (on stairs). Visiting the Hill House Museum is always interesting as to who will greet you at the door or who will be within your tour group. No matter what, it is a great tour stop.
A recent discovery at the Museum....
A fun discovery…recently two Hill House prints intended to be framed were dropped off at Hartung Gallery and Frame Shop (Portsmouth Blvd). After further investigation, it was discovered behind the existing prints were older hidden prints framed from an earlier time period. These new discoveries are now framed and hang on the museum walls. Do you feel you have a “good-eye” for finding things? Stop by the Hill House Museum on Wednesdays and Saturdays (noon-3:00), and find which walls these two prints hang on, good luck!
Hello, and welcome to the Hill House Museum...
Did you know Queensland in Australia is the second-largest and third-most populous state in the Commonwealth of Australia? On Wednesday, June 12th the Hill House Museum provided a tour to visitors from Queensland, Australia again, opening its’ doors to other parts of the world. On Wednesdays or Saturdays we never know who will walk across the Museum’s threshold.
Colorful Tour
Looking for foliage riddled with images of yellow and orange? Well, the Hill House Gardens are in full bloom, and with the recent rainfall it looks amazing. So, at the end of each tour, visitors are encouraged to stroll through the gardens and appreciate nature’s palettes of color.
Open for tours every Wednesday and Saturday noon-3:00. Just stop by and ring the doorbell.
Artifacts and Cistern....a great summer day trip!!!
Archaeologist, Donnie Sadler, spoke at the Hill House Museum and showed his private collection to guests on Saturday. Donnie grew up on a James River Plantation in Surry that was patented in 1619 and it launched his early love of history and archaeology. Also, he talked about the artifacts from the 2012 Hill House exploratory dig of the site’s privies and cistern.
A cistern water system stores the water needed for a household in a large container that is typically filled by rainwater. The Hill House Museum is fortunate to still have its original cisterns in place (both in the attic and outside). The cistern in the garden is now part of the tour for guests to see and learn about early 19th century plumbing. So, when planning a summer day trip stop by the Hill House Museum and tour a wonderful piece of history.
Museum Day was a hit!!!
Yesterday, the Hill House Museum participated in Museum Day. Around 140 guests toured the Museum and were given first glimpses of the recent restoration efforts. All the rooms were open, and guests were amazed at how wonderful the museum looks. Please stop by Wednesdays and Saturdays noon-3:00 to tour the Museum and see what everyone is talking about.
2019 Mother's Day Tea
Happy Mother's Day from the Hill House Museum.
Yesterday guests attended our annual Mother's Day Tea.. The Tea was sold out, and everyone had a "tea-riffic" time. The tea concluded with a tour of the new restoration efforts.
Garden Clubs tour the Musuem
On May 8th, representatives from Garden Clubs throughout Virginia toured Olde Towne, and one of their stops was the Hill House Museum.
