Special Events 2013

January

21, Annual Meeting, 7 p.m. This meeting is open to all members of the Friends of the 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House and current board members. A short reception of cookies and drinks will usher in a new year as the 2013 board of directors is inducted.

February

23, Winter Dinner & Auction, 5 p.m. $40per person(fundraiser) Join the Friends of Stephenson House in celebrating another successful year of operation. Your participation in a silent as well as an oral auction will help support the Stephenson House to have another successful year. For information about location, menu, and auction items contact RoxAnn 618-692-1818. Winter Dinner & Auction 2013

June

FULL, REGISTRATIONS CLOSED 19-21, 1820 Wilderness Summer Camp, 9a.m.-2p.m., $80 (due at registration) Open to students in grades 4th-8^th. This camp would be geared to boys but girls are welcome to attend.. Activities: plant identification, different types of trees, starting a camp fire, cooking a simple meal over the camp fire, identifying animal tracks, sewing a simple hunting bag, items needed to fill the hunting bag to survive the wilderness. Limited to 12 participants. Participants should bring a sack lunch. A midmorning snack and drinks provided.

July

CANCELLED 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, Mrs. Lucy's Academy of Secondary Learning, 9a.m.-2p.m., $140 (due at registration). This hands-on history camp is designed for older girls in grades 6th through 9th. The two-week camp focuses on in-depth exploration of a variety of activities necessary to run a household in 1820 Illinois; needlework samplers, open-hearth cooking, hand sewing, dyeing fabric, drawing, herbology and much more Dress size needed. Pre-registration is required. Open to young ladies in grades 6-9. Limit to 12 participants. Participants should bring a sack lunch. A midmorning snack and drinks provided.

FULL, REGISTRATIONS CLOSED   31-August 2, Mrs. Lucy's Academy for Young Ladies, 9a.m.-2p.m., $80 (due at registration). Young ladies attending the Academy will discover what it was like to be a real American girl in 1820. Participants dress in reproduction clothing similar to styles worn in the early 1800s. At the end of the camp, a tea will be hosted by participants for their mother (or father) utilizing all the skills learned during the week. Dress size needed. Pre-registration is required. Ages 8-10 years. Limit to 12 participants. Participants should bring a sack lunch. A midmorning snack and drinks provided.

September

29, 50/50 Antique Auction, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Come find an antique treasure at the annual 50/50 Antique Auction. A variety of collectibles are offered including: ceramics, crocks and jugs, Native American artifacts, old pocket knives fishing equipment, holiday decor, costume jewelry, toys and furniture. Auction takes place on the grounds of the historic home.  For more information: 618-692-1818.  House tours will not be available during this event.

October

1-31, Mourning Col. Stephenson Special Exhibit, Join us as we explore the macabre side of the Stephenson House history. Col. Stephenson died in the house on October 10, 1822 and visitors will get a glimpse of the mourning customs practiced by the family almost two hundred years ago.

November

29 & 30, Christmas Candlelight Tours, 6-9 pm (closed during the day), $10 Adult, $5 child (6-12 years), children five years and under admitted free. Come experience Christmas at the Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House.  The customs of the 1820s will surround guests as Father Christmas, and his mischievous brother Rupert, entertain children and adults alike. Historically garbed docents will be throughout the house as guests take a self-guided tour through the festively adorned rooms. Stephenson House will not be open during the day on Friday or Saturday in order to prepare for the evening event.

Sewing Circle, 1-3 p.m. Free (Meets each month on the second and fourth Sunday.) Bring any period sewing or needlecraft project to share and/or work on in a relaxed setting.  Period sewing instruction and help are available to those wanting to advance their skills in the production of  period garments. Both ladies and  gentlemen are welcome to participate.  The sewing circle will meet second and fourth Sundays (schedule may change due to holidays or special events). This is an informal gathering to share skills, ideas, and new information.