Children’s programs run late November to New Year’s Eve
Staatsburgh State Historic Site is preparing for its festive Gilded Age Christmas, featuring holiday decorations throughout the mansion and special children’s programs from late November through New Year’s Eve. The site opens for the holiday season on Friday, Nov. 28, and offers public hours Thursday through Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. (closed Christmas Day) through Dec. 31. Special evening hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, and additional days for visiting the mansion include noon to 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29, through Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Sundays in December, from 1 to 4 p.m., children ages 6 to 11 and their family members are invited to solve a “history mystery” in the Holiday Whodunit. The young detectives will interview costumed interpreters, who portray Gilded Age houseguests and servants. The Holiday Whodunit has become an annual tradition for many families, who come each December to enjoy the decorations and crack another Gilded Age case. Children who submit a guess as to “whodunit” will be entered in a drawing for a prize.
Each holiday season, children can enjoy searching for the miniature houses of Mistletoe Mouse throughout the mansion. The site is offering two hands-on craft workshops during the school vacation: Saturday, Dec. 27, and Tuesday, Dec. 30, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Children ages 6 to 12 can make their own mouse houses out of boxes and various craft materials. A parent or guardian must accompany child; there is a $5 materials fee per child. Reservations recommended: 845-889-8851.
Staatsburgh’s museum shop features a unique selection of jewelry, books, scarves, keepsakes and gifts. The shop will be open during all touring hours.
Site admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors; children 12 and younger are free. The site is located on Old Post Road in Staatsburg, off Route 9 between Rhinebeck and Hyde Park. For more information call 845-889-8851 or visit nysparks.com.
