Victorian Exploration
Christmas at the Ballantine House
Ballantine House
Newark Museum
49 Washington Street
Newark, NJ 07102
973-596-6550
www.NewarkMuseum.org
Step back in time with "Christmas At the Ballantine House". The house was built in 1885 for Jeannette and John Holme Ballantine, of the celebrated Newark beer-brewing family. The mansion originally had 27 rooms and became part of the Newark Museum in 1937, and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985.
Open to the public are two floors of the Ballantine House including eight period rooms, two hallways and six new galleries. The item in the house were found in people's homes from the 1650's to present.
A special event starting on November 28 until January 11, 2004 is "Christmas At The Ballantine House: Feasting with Family and Friends".
The house is wonderfully adorned with Victorian decorations and evergreens popular during this period. You will be able to explore a lavish Christmas Eve "open house" tea on the afternoon of December 24, 1891, set in the ornate gold-and-white parlor. Also, in the room is a tree decorated in Victorian ornaments.
Another wonderful display is the Ballantine family's elaborate Christmas dinner, circa 1891. The table is set for John and Jeanette Ballantine and their four children. Of course the room is set for an elaborate Victorian Christmas including holly which was grown widely in New Jersey for this purpose. Also, take a peek at the menus of the time. The historically accurate menus are on display and visitors may take home sample recipes for items such as stewed oysters, fried celery and oven-browned Irish mashed potatoes.
We are sure you will enjoy your visit at the "Ballantine House". You will experience a "true" Victorian Christmas that will let you take a step back in time.
Also, don't forget the Ballantine House is open year round for you to explore and enjoy!
General hours: Open Wednesday - Sunday 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm (closed Mondays, Tuesdays, January 1, July 4, Thanksgiving Day and December 25.
HAPPY EXPLORING!
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