Dr. Collins, grandfather to the last generation of the Hill family, had a big influence on the survival of Portsmouth during the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1855. He was responsible for the continuous running of the railroad during the epidemic, in-turn providing supplies, and a form of egress for survival. He was a prominent Portsmouth Physician and instead of fleeing the city with his family, he remained behind to care for the ill during this pestilence. Unfortunately, the Yellow Fever took his life as well. At the time of his death in 1855, he was the president of the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad. The obelisk statue in the Hill family plot, dedicated by the Seaboard and Roanoke Railroad, has a train engine etched into it. At closer look, the coupling rod on the engine is broken, symbolizing “Death”. Cemeteries are rightly celebrated for their abundant symbolism, much of it concerned with physical mortality and spiritual eternity. When you explore Cedar Grove Cemetery the task of interpreting the symbols and finding the meaning of the artwork can be a daunting one.
Cedar Grove walking tour
The Hill House Museum had a great time participating in the Cedar Grove Cemetery Foundation walking tour on Saturday. Thanks for the invitation and hope to work with the Foundation with future events. What a great way to learn about Portsmouth's History.
The Amazing Beauty Bush at the Hill House Museum...
Have you seen the amazing Beauty Bush in the gardens of the Hill House Museum?
Linnaea amabilis, also known under the synonym Kolkwitzia amabilis /kɒlˈkwɪtsiə əˈmæbɪlɪs and the English name beauty bush, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae. It is a deciduous shrub grown as an ornamental plant. In China, where it originated, the plant is called wei shi (蝟实).
Wedding Exhibit
Exciting things are happening this weekend at the Hill House Museum and in Olde Towne. This Saturday (9/14/19) is the start of the Hill House Museum’s wedding exhibit of Portsmouth, says “I Do”. The exhibit will be open daily from 11:00-4:00 until 9/22/19. Admission fee is $10.00.
Also, this Saturday the Doors, Porches, and Gardens tour from 10:00-4:00 will be taking place throughout Olde Towne. The Hill House Gardens is one of the many stops and one of the reenactors will be portraying Evelyn Hill. Check out the Olde Towne Civic League Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/OldeTowneCivicLeague/
Two fun things are happening this Saturday at the Hill House Museum in-turn allowing guests the opportunity to tour both the inside and outside this historic museum. Call 757-620-1833 if you have questions.
Sisters Day
Happy National Sisters Day!
National Sisters Day, is celebrated the first Sunday of every August in the United States. For 2019, National Sister Day takes place on August 4th.
The last generation of the Hill family had 5 sisters; Mary, Elizabeth, Evelyn, Blanche, and Frances. The attached pictures are of the Hill sisters enjoying each others company, and sisterly bond.
Maybe you have an older sister that you look to for guidance or you have a younger sister looking to you for inspiration. Whatever the circumstance, nothing can quite compare to the bond that sisters have. National Sisters Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the sisters who make such a difference in our lives. So, honor your sister today with a card, call, text, visit or a hug.
A special visit
Thanks to Keith Toler, Assistant Director for the City of Portsmouth's Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, and Ann Phillips Tours for stopping by the Hill House Museum today. Ann had some of her employeess tour the Museum in the hopes of making it a popular tourist destination.
Happy Birthday America
Since the 4th of July is upon us, did you know the 37 Star Flag became the Official United States Flag on July 4th 1867? A star was added for the admission of Nebraska (March 1st,1867) and was to last for ten years.
The Hill House owns one of these original flags as you can see from the attached pictures. This is another reason to visit the Hill House Museum because it is a true American Treasure. So, stop by this Saturday while on your extended long holiday weekend, and tour this grand American home.
Saturday noon-3:00
Our Amazing Docents!!!
The rich history of the Hill House Museum is also embedded within our docents. Two examples of this history are Lavern Harrell (left) and Macon Williams (right). Lavern is the current treasurer for the Museum and has been involved since the early 1990’s. Macon is 3rd generation involved with the Hill House and her knowledge is second to none! Guests who visited the Hill House today were greeted by these two incredible docents. In fact, among the visitors today was a lady from Ecuador (on stairs). Visiting the Hill House Museum is always interesting as to who will greet you at the door or who will be within your tour group. No matter what, it is a great tour stop.
A recent discovery at the Museum....
A fun discovery…recently two Hill House prints intended to be framed were dropped off at Hartung Gallery and Frame Shop (Portsmouth Blvd). After further investigation, it was discovered behind the existing prints were older hidden prints framed from an earlier time period. These new discoveries are now framed and hang on the museum walls. Do you feel you have a “good-eye” for finding things? Stop by the Hill House Museum on Wednesdays and Saturdays (noon-3:00), and find which walls these two prints hang on, good luck!
Hello, and welcome to the Hill House Museum...
Did you know Queensland in Australia is the second-largest and third-most populous state in the Commonwealth of Australia? On Wednesday, June 12th the Hill House Museum provided a tour to visitors from Queensland, Australia again, opening its’ doors to other parts of the world. On Wednesdays or Saturdays we never know who will walk across the Museum’s threshold.
