events
Prologue to Presidency: Abraham Lincoln on the Illinois Eighth Judicial Circuit
Exhibit about Lincoln's experience on Eighth Judicial Circuit
Opens April 29
"Prologue to Presidency: Abraham Lincoln on the Illinois Eighth Judicial Circuit" is the first such major exhibit to be created and will be housed in the Lincoln-era barn on the grounds of the David Davis Mansion. It was funded by a total of $33,000 in grants from several organizations.
A traveling version of the exhibit will begin statewide circulation in June.
The project was one of several legacy programs sponsored by the former Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission of McLean County as part of the celebration of the Lincoln Bicentennial. The exhibit development was also supported by the Illinois Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, the Bloomington-Normal Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition. The newly-established Heritage Association of McLean County will work with the Davis Mansion staff and Foundation to promote the exhibit and create related educational programs and special events.
For more information, contact the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site at (309) 828-1084.
Looking for Lincoln and Davis
Special exhibits and educational programs related to Abraham Lincoln and David Davis are part of a statewide tourism program. Call (309) 828-1084 for information.
Champagne British Car Festival
June 2, 2013
Glorious Garden Festival
June 21-22, 2013
Civil War Days
July 20-21, 2013
Antique Auto Exhibit
August 3, 2013
Car Community All Vehicle Show
Sept 7, 2013
Victorian History Program and Tour
Presented by The Tea Ladies, Inc.
Join The Tea Ladies for an entertaining and factual Victorian program presented in the formal parlor of the David Davis Mansion Museum. Programs are presented in Victorian costume by Nancy Perzo and Karen Patton.
A sample of our most popular programs:
Outrageous Etiquette: Outlandish etiquette rules from the 1890's. The Tea Ladies share rules of Victorian etiquette you just won't believe. The complicated use of calling cards is demonstrated along with other interesting dining rules. The audience participates in this program.
Hoopskirts and Teacups: Learn about women of the Civil war Era from their touching letters and journals. Hear some amusing stories about hoop skirts and other feminine finery. We demonstrate tea brewing demonstration and special Civil War music is played.
Tea in a Victorian Garden: Step with us into a secret Victorian garden. Learn about the heirloom garden at the David Davis Mansion and Sara Davis's love for her garden. Picnic etiquette is discussed; tussie mussies and the language of flowers will be shown in an interesting demonstration with tour of the David Davis Mansion heirloom garden following the program.
The Titanic: Teatime on the Titanic. Elegant Edwardians such as Lady Astor and Mrs. J.M. (Molly) Brown were in attendance. Join us for tea as we embark on the most fascinating voyage of an era. Guests participate in this program.
Take Me to the Fair: The 1893 Chicago World's Fair- Let's step back in time and go to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair! 27,000,000 Victorians would pay 50 cents apiece to experience an unforgettable day at the fair that offered a glimpse into the future of a new century.
For a complete list of programs, contact Nancy Perzo 1-309-827-2200
Cost:
The cost of this Victorian History program is $250.00 for any group (no minimum). Groups larger than 40 are split in half one group tours the mansion while half the group hears the program, then the process is reversed. There is an additional $4.00 per person charge for the tour of the mansion that is paid directly to the museum at the end of the tour.
Your Victorian History Program and Tour will be scheduled on the basis of the availability of the site/staff on your requested tour date. Every effort will be made to accommodate your first-choice date, but emailing a request does not guarantee confirmation. All tours are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis; reservation requests will be processed in the order that they are received.
Tea Service with Victorian History Program & Tour: A combined tea party and Victorian program is available at the rate of $23.00 per person (minimum 25 guests, maximum 50 guests). Guests enjoy an entertaining Victorian program and a "light tea" in the mansion's beautiful formal parlor. Light tea consists of hot brewed tea and an assortment of sweet dessert treats. Guests are seated at tea tables covered with fine linens and all the proper tea appointments; a "Victorian maid" will also be at your service. The parlor accommodates a maximum of 30 guests seated at 5 tables; larger groups will be divided into two seatings. There is an additional $4.00 per person charge for the tour of the mansion following the tea party and program. Please book the tea party, program and tour two months in advance. All Victorian programs are presented by The Tea Ladies. Call Nancy Perzo at (309) 827-2200 to book a reservation and visit The Tea Ladies website.
Lunch is also available for $29.00 per person. Please call Nancy Perzo at (309) 827-2200 for information and menu choices.