Hunter House March 1st event

Jazz Age Jubilee: Preserving the Past, Celebrating the Future

Saturday, March 1st, 2025

Location: The Historic Martin Mansion at 524 Fairfax Ave, Norfolk, VA 23507

7pm - 10pm

Step back in time and experience the glamour and excitement of the Roaring Twenties at our “Jazz Age Jubilee: Preserving the Past, Celebrating the Future." This exclusive, one-night-only event will transport you to an era of jazz, flappers, and speakeasies, all while supporting the vital work of two historic houses.

Throughout the night every detail of the evening will transport you back to a time of opulence and charm.Your presence at this event will help ensure that the beauty and significance of these architectural gems are passed down to future generations. This event is in partnership with the Hunter House Victorian Museum and the Historic Martin Mansion. This fundraiser event is an extremely important event for both organizations, providing much needed funds for each organization. 

While the event will be hosted at the Historic Martin Mansion, tickets and registration will be coordinated through the Hunter House Victorian Museum.  Tickets can be purchased at www.hunterhousemuseum.org, or by calling 757-623-9814. For any questions please call 757-623-9814 or email hhvmwhitney@gmail.com. 

https://www.hunterhousemuseum.org/about-9

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Lecture highlights

Last week, history came to life as Julie Dunn, Hill House Museum’s historian, delivered a fascinating lecture at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts for the Towne Bank Gallery Talks series. Her presentation focused on Lafayette Decorations and the Souvenir Industry, shedding light on the significance of Lafayette’s 1824 visit and the Hill family's involvement in this historic event.

Through her incredible storytelling, Julie transported guests back in time, leaving them with a deeper appreciation of Lafayette’s journey and its lasting impact. Thank you to everyone who attended and to Towne Bank Gallery Talks for hosting such an engaging event!

Exhibit Announcement

Emanuel AME was once the religious and cultural center of the Lincolnsville Community.  Annexed in 1890, Lincolnsville became Portsmouth’s first middle-class African American Community.  During segregation, it operated as a city within a city.  Also during that time, mail was not delivered to Lincolnsville by the city, and Emanuel doubled as both a church and post office.  Portsmouth’s longest serving mayor, The Honorable James W. Holley was born right across the street from Emanuel in one of Lincolnsville’s last four remaining homes, where he entertained the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.  Mayor Holley fought for and one equal access for African Americans in Portsmouth’s libraries, hospitals, restaurants, and golf courses.  In 2023, the Lincolnsville photos could be seen at the Hill House Museum as part of a much larger exhibit entitled, “Picture This”.  On loan to Emanuel from the Hill House Museum archives, the Lincolnsville photos will be on display this February 2nd thru 15th as a stand-alone exhibit in the neighborhood where they were taken!

Wow, what an incredible weekend at the Hill House Museum!  Friday and Saturday were filled with excitement, history, and celebration as we honored the Lafayette Bicentennial right here in Portsmouth! From vibrant reenactments to unforgettable memories, we had an absolute blast! Huge thanks to our amazing volunteers and supporters who made not just this weekend, but the entire month of events, such a success. Check out these snapshots from our fantastic Friday and Saturday events with Lafayette – relive the magic with us!

Thanks Tidewater Winds Brass Quintet

🌿🎶 A huge thank you to the Tidewater Winds Brass Quintet for an amazing performance in the Hill House gardens! 🎺✨ The melodies of pieces composed for Lafayette during his Farewell Tour filled the air, transporting us back in time. 🎵Visit their website at the www.tidewaterwinds.org for contact information and concert events.

We also had the privilege of hearing from The Men of the House, three amazing museum interpreters who brought history to life with their theatrical storytelling of the Hill family's connection to General Lafayette’s visit! 🎭🏡

Special shoutout to Julie Dunn for not only facilitating this memorable event but also wowing us with her stunning vocal talents! 🎤🌟

It was truly an unforgettable day of history, music, and community. Thank you to all who joined us!

Concert in the Gardens

October 12th - 1 PM
Tidewater Winds Brass Quintet Concert🎶

Step back in time with us for a unique Hill House Museum garden performance featuring music actually composed for Lafayette during his Farewell Tour! 🎷 But that’s not all! Our talented interpreters, known as the "Men of the House," will bring history to life, sharing the fascinating story of the Hill family’s ties to General Lafayette’s visit. 🎭💫

The museum will be open from 12-3 PM, so come explore the museum before or after the concert.  Admission is just $5 per person (cash). Don’t miss out on this unique blend of live music, drama, and history! 🎉

Don’t miss this exciting event—it’s going to be one for the books! 📖🎉

Tidewater Winds Brass Quintet Concert

October 12th - 1 PM
Tidewater Winds Brass Quintet Concert🎶

Step back in time with us for a unique Hill House Museum garden performance featuring music actually composed for Lafayette during his Farewell Tour! 🎷 But that’s not all! Our talented interpreters, known as the "Men of the House," will bring history to life, sharing the fascinating story of the Hill family’s ties to General Lafayette’s visit. 🎭💫

The museum will be open from 12-3 PM, so come explore the museum before or after the concert.  Admission is just $5 per person (cash). Don’t miss out on this unique blend of live music, drama, and history! 🎉

Don’t miss this exciting event—it’s going to be one for the books! 📖🎉