Rockford Plantation-Yuletide Tours

December 27, 2016

(I meant to write this earlier but Christmas took over. If you want to check this event out, you have to hurry—going on now and the next couple of days!)

By now it’s no secret that I love historical architecture, but what is even better than touring an old historically-significant home, is touring one by candlelight and done up for the holidays! Last year I took my son Jackson, then 11 years old, to Rockford Plantation, 18^th century home of Edward Hand, adjutant general to George Washington in the American Revolution.

The Yuletide Tours give you a special opportunity to travel back in time and learn about the customs, traditions, and décor of the holiday celebrations in colonial America. Christmas as we know it was not celebrated in our country until later in the 19^th century and in Edward Hand’s time, the holidays started around Christmas Day with the burning of the Yule log and continued until January 6 when they culminated the festivities with a Twelfth Night celebration. It is this grand finale that the Yuletide Tour at Rockford will depict in full 4D experience.

Visitors will progress through each room of the house where costumed guides relay the history with the focus on their own particular activity liable to take place in that room. You will see the spread of fanciful food on the dining room table and learn about what was eaten and why presentation was so important. You will learn about the kinds of ghost stories told in the parlor, you will see the types of clothing worn by party goers in the bedroom, and so forth. All three levels of the home are included in the tour, and if you go in the evening, it is all by candlelight, making it extra attractive. Children are encouraged to attend, and at least last year, there was a special scavenger hunt for them to participate in. You may even see dancing and music in the large foyer. The Yuletide tours would also make a lovely night out with your spouse. Plan to take at least 45 minutes for the tour.