Press Room

Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum to Host Festive Thanksgiving Tours, New Authentic Thanksgiving Dinner Event and Black Friday Shopping Opportunities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Cynthia Riccio, Education Director, Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, (860) 529-0612, ext. 12 criccio@webb-deane-stevens.org
Charles Lyle, Executive Director, Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, (860) 529-0612, ext, 14 clyle@webb-deane-stevens.org
Becky Giantonio, The Pita Group, (860) 293-0157 ext. 20; beckyg@thepitagroup.com
 

[WETHERSFIELD, Conn., September 19, 2011] – The Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, located at 211 Main St. in Wethersfield, will begin its annual Thanksgiving celebration this year starting November 5 through November 27. Stop by the museum to learn about Thanksgiving traditions in Colonial America every weekend throughout the month of November. On November 13, enjoy an authentic Thanksgiving tour and meal hosted by Webb-Deane-Stevens in the historic Webb barn. The holiday celebrations will be complete with costumes of Colonial times as well as a Madeira and Sherry tastings for guests. On Black Friday, September 25, visit the Webb-Deane-Stevens Gift Shop to kick-start your holiday purchases!

Late 18th Century Thanksgiving Dinner
For the first time ever, the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum will host an authentic Thanksgiving Dinner that allows attendees to travel back in time and experience an 18th-century Thanksgiving. The event begins with a sherry and Madeira tasting and tour of the Silas Deane house, where interpreters will portray Mr. and Mrs. Silas Deane and their servants as they prepare for dinner. The Thanksgiving dinner, served family-style, will follow in the historic Webb barn. At dessert, Historian Paul Courchaine will discuss period foods and the choices he made for the menu. Fresh ingredients, mouthwatering flavors and a perfect historic setting will provide an unforgettable holiday dining experience for your family and friends.

WHAT: Authentic Thanksgiving Dinner, featuring a tour of the Silas Deane house, program on Colonial foods by historian Paul Courchaine and 18th-century meal by Ascot Catering
WHEN:  November 13, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Reception at 11:30 a.m.; Thanksgiving dinner served immediately after the reception
WHERE: Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, 211 Main Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109
COST:  $65 per person. Tours of the museum will be available at no charge following the event. Reservations are required.
To reserve a space, call (860) 529-0612, ext. 12.

Thanksgiving at the Silas Deane House
The annual Thanksgiving tours are back! Connecticut was the first colony to make the holiday an annual observance. Experience the holiday during the 18th century at the Silas Deane House. See how a wealthy family like the Dean’s celebrated – the tour includes the front parlor set up for games and entertainment; kitchen, where the feast is being prepared; and decorated dining room.
WHAT: “Thanksgiving at the Deane House” tours displaying the activities that took place in a wealthy 18th-century home on Thanksgiving
WHEN:  November 5 to 27 on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. The last tour takes place at 3 p.m.
WHERE: Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum,  211 Main Street, Wethersfield, CT 06109
COST: Adults $10, seniors, students & AAA members $9, children ages 5-18 $5 and families (2 adults & children) $25.
For more information, call (860) 529-0612, ext. 12.

Black Friday Shopper Alert!

The Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum Shop will be open to the public
on Friday, November 25  from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Begin your holiday shopping on “Black Friday” in the Webb-Deane-Stevens charming museum shop. This year the shop will feature ornaments, candles, advent calendars, holiday "poppers", small gifts, accessories, jewelry, and fun items for the holiday season. Stock up on your special hostess gifts for the holidays! Tours of the museum will also be available at regular admission prices.

About the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum
Located in the heart of Connecticut’s largest historic district, the museum, which consists of three authentically restored 18th-century homes, brings Wethersfield’s rich history to life, from the American Revolution to the early 20th century. The museum includes the 1752 Joseph Webb House, which served as George Washington’s Revolutionary War headquarters in May 1781, when he met with French General le Comte de Rochambeau; the 1770 Silas Deane House, built for America’s first diplomat to France; and the 1788 Isaac Stevens House, which depicts life in the 18th and 19th centuries through original family objects and includes a display of early American toys and a restored bedroom that would have been able to accommodate all five children who lived in the house.

The Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum, located at 211 Main St., Wethersfield, is open daily- with the exception of Tuesday- from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, May through October. During the month of April, the museum is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please check the museum’s website for special holiday hours and tours. Three-house tours cost $10 for adults, $5 for students and children ages 5 to 18 and $9 for seniors, AAA members and Greater Hartford Arts Council Let’s Go! members. Families pay the discounted rate of $25.