The Morning After Christmas
at the Whitehorne Museum
During the celebration of Christmas in Newport,
you can gain an intimate glimpse into domestic life at
Christmas in the early 1800s. Christmas in this period
was not nearly as elaborate as it is today. However, in
Newport some families did celebrate Christmas by gathering
for a feast, which is indicative of Rhode Island’s
religious tolerance. Since the Whitehornes were Anglicans,
they may have been among those who recognized Christmas.
At the Whitehorne Museum, visitors will discover the house
on the Morning AfterChristmas, revealing
clues to the merriment and feasting of the day before.
Two exciting new features are being added to the program
this year:
- Visitors will receive a handout about Christmas in
early New England, which features colonial and early-republic
recipes. They will also get to sample some historic flavors.
- Eliza or Caroline Whitehorne will be available to
speak with visitors! Two theatre majors, one from Rhode
Island College and one from the Community College of
Rhode Island will be playing these Whitehorne daughters
as they might have been in 1820. The costume shop at
CCRI, under the direction of Professor Jeffrey Butterworth,
an historic clothing expert, will be creating the authentic
outfits for the students.
This is a tremendous opportunity to step into the past
to learn about what it was like to be a teenaged girl or
a resident of Thames Street in the 1820s, as well as learning
about Christmas history as you enjoy the beauty of the
house during this season.
This program was presented
in December 2004
Keep an eye on the NRF
Education page for Christmas 2005 details
For more information please
call 849-7300 or email lisa@newportrestoration.org.
