October 2024 Newsletter
Fall is here! Whether you prefer to be learning history indoors or outdoors in the fresh air, there's something for everyone and every age at the programs being held at the historic properties at the Great Road Heritage Campus during October. No matter what the program, you'll leave having learned some interesting history while having fun! We hope to see you this month.
THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW COMES TO CHASE FARM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5TH
12 NOON-3:30 PM
Don't Miss Out...Limited Capacity! A Few Tickets Remain
The classic tale of the headless horseman comes to life right at the Pullen's Corner Schoolhouse! The outdoor performance, courtesy of RISE, is sure to delight and thrill audience members of all ages. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this timeless tale, most popular at Halloween, There are a limited number of tickets for this exclusive performance.
Before and after the performance, there will be hayrides, children's lawn games, crafts for all ages, and refreshments. And to wrap up the afternoon will be a special children's costume parade, led by the Headless Horseman and Ichabod Crane. A memorable time and photo opportunities galore!
OCTOBER 13TH
FINAL GUIDED TOURS OF SEASON FOR CAMPUS SITES
FINAL CAMPUS TOURS OF THE SEASON
Sign up for one of three tours taking place at the Moffett Mill between 12:30 and the last one at 2:00. Tours take 40 minutes. Just take the shuttle van from the parking lot at Chase Farm to be dropped off at the Mill and brought back to the lot safely.
Step into this time capsule from the 19th century when it was a busy machine shop, taking care of the needs of area businesses and farms as well as homes for anything they needed built or repaired. The Moffett Mill was a versatile shop, with the latest in machinery and craftsmanship. Today, all the equipment and tools remain and some examples of the work that was done there may be seen.
Mill will re-open next spring!
Visit us on Sunday, October 13th, starting at 12:30 until 3:00!
At the Schoolhouse, experience a slice of life in the schoolroom, including reading, writing, lessons, and recess games. Make a homemade toy....a pinwheel to bring home.
Learn why this was called the "Hot Potato School." Sit at the desk and write on slates. Be treated to holding schoolbooks that are well over a hundred years old. Imagine what the school day was like for the children of Lincoln's families who lived on nearby farms and went through the whole educational experience in this last one-room schoolhouse in town.
No matter your age, you'll still be amazed and delighted at this charming school and the fun that you can have when you try out some of the recess games that kids played so many years ago.
OCTOBER 16TH
STARRY STARRY AUTUMN NITE
This final stargazing event takes place during the chill of autumn skies on Wednesday evening, October 16th.
The event begins at 6:30 pm with guests being treated to an introduction to the night skies through a fascinating presentation by astronomer Francine Jackson before heading out to the telescopes at dark. If you have your own telescope, feel free to bring it along.
The popular Starry, Starry Nite has limited capacity so advance reservations are required. An overcast sky or rain will delay the event to the next night of October 17th.
OPENING OCTOBER 19th
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: VICTORIAN MOURNING & FUNERAL CUSTOMS
ADDITIONAL DATES OCT. 20, 26, & 27
Created in 2011, this exhibit continues to be one of our most popular, drawing audiences from near and far. It includes an extensive display of antique funerary objects, clothing and accessories arranged among the rooms throughout three floors of the house museum.
Former homeowner Simon E. Thornton, who passed away
here in 1873, is memorialized with black draping on mirrors and mantles, and purple and black bunting outside of the house as the "household" prepares for the mock wake. Fully-guided 90-minute tours are led by docents dressed in black period mourning attire.
Visitors learn about the customs and superstitions that were prevalent during the period following the Civil War that were adapted from Queen Victoria's influence. The exhibit features antique embalming tools and the process that the undertaker performed when preparing the deceased's body right in the home.
Included in the well-researched display are antique coffins, a collection of Victorian mourning dresses, bonnets, and jewelry, some made with human hair. Post-mortem photographs and topics such as the belief in vampires, the fear of being buried alive, and spiritualism are also covered.
The exhibit may be experienced on four dates, two that are in the evening and two during the afternoon. Oct. 19 and 26: 4-7:30 and Oct. 20 and 27: 12:30-4 pm. Timed entries and limited group size. Reserve through the link below.