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Norwalk's jewel, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, holds a gem of a Holiday Open House, Dec. 12 from 1-5 p.m., taking visitors back to Victorian times to celebrate the holidays. Christmas trees, as they were originally conceived, colorfully line the Mansion's rooms. The Museum's display follows the custom's evolution. First brought indoors as decorations in the 1850s, the original trees were tabletop-sized, and decorated with edibles and handmade ornaments. As the decades rolled on and the tradition continued to capture people's imaginations, the trees became more elaborate and larger. By 1900, lavishly embellished trees stood on the floor, their tops almost brushing a room's ceiling. The ornaments and costumes in the Museum's display are authentic recreations, made by staff and volunteers, from designs in late 19th-century ladies periodicals. Adding to the evocative feel of its decorated rooms is the Mansion's historic costume collection also on view. For the first time this holiday season, the Museum's antique doll collection, recently restored by curator Mary Lou Logan, is also on view. From 1868 to1938, 10 children, at different times, lived and played on the Mansion's third floor, which was filled with toys and dolls, and even had a play theater.
More highlights of the Open House include from 1-2 p.m. a performance of an original puppet show, "The Three Wishes" by Michael Grahams Spring Valley Puppet Theater. Santa Claus arrives at the end of the show for a meet and greet with young audience members. At 3:30 p.m., the Serendipity Chorale of Southern Connecticut performs, accompanied by pianist Barbara Hudgins, while volunteers dressed in Victorian costumes serve tea, cider, and seasonal treats to children and their favorite doll, teddy bear, or stuffed animal at a Victorian Tea Party. Stop by the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum to celebrate the season where its charming holiday happenings salute Victorian Times. Hours are 1-5 p.m. Admission is $5 per family. The Victorian Tea Party requires a reservation. For more information, visit the Museum's website.
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