Brrrrr.....Check out the snow pictures we ran across in the Hill House Museum archives. Now that looks like a winter storm.
The first picture is the 200 block of North Street circa 1910. While looking at the picture the Hill House Museum is to your immediate right.
The other picture was taken during December of 1892 when the Railroad was still running down the middle of High Street. Also, take note the picture was developed at Turner Photography Studio in Portsmouth at 208 High Street.
Everyone at the Hill House Museum wishes you a joyous and fun holiday and a most prosperous New Year!
Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at locations across the United States including Portsmouth’s Cedar Grove Cemetery. We appreciate Kitty Bryant and her family for placing a wreath on the grave of Lt. William Collins Hill, a veteran of the Spanish American War.
The Christmas tree has been erected and decorated with German glass ornaments. These ornaments are for sale and if you are looking for a unique gift for someone special on your list stop by on Wednesdays and Saturdays noon-3:00.
Recently, the Hill House Museum hosted a private tea and tour for the Fort Nelson DAR. The group was introduced to the amazing aroma and taste of our signature tea, Five Sisters Blend. This tea is exclusive to the Museum and can be purchased only at the Hill House.
Today, ten second graders from Christopher Academy stopped by the Hill House Museum for a tour. As part of an assignment of a self-guided tour of Olde Towne, the Hill House was the main attraction. The students were introduced to a glimpse of Portsmouth’s history.
The Hill sisters were proud to be godmothers to many children throughout the years. Recently, Margaret Harvey, 93 years old, stopped by the Hill House Museum to drop off a doll given to her by one of the sisters. Blanche Hill was her godmother, and yearly during the holidays, as a child, Margaret would receive a doll, a custom each Hill sister did for their godchildren. One year, Margaret was gifted a Shirley Temple doll and has had it in her possession since she received it. Margaret felt it befitting to return her Shirley Temple doll back to the Hill House Museum. Margaret stated she is happy to have her doll back at the Hill House, a place where the Hill sisters acknowledged each godchild with a toy or doll.
Stop by on Wednesdays or Saturdays to see the doll and take a tour.
Museum Day at the Hill House was a great success and even the rain held off most of the day. The sailors from the 1812 U.S. Frigate Constellation set-up in the gardens and helped visitors learn about the sailor’s tools, food/drink, weapons, and personal items. Also, the Regency Society of Virginia and a few others stopped by to give guests an opportunity to re-live history. We want to thank all of the groups who participated to make this event so engaging and entertaining … even the duck helped make this day a lot of fun!
This Saturday, October 9, 2021 (10:00-3:00) the Hill House Museum will host the sailors from the USS Constellation and soldiers from Fort Norfolk as they discus the Battle of Craney Island and the role Portsmouth and its militia played in the War of 1812. This event will be in conjunction with Portsmouth's Museum Day and will be set-up in the gardens of the museum. Everyone who stops by the Hill House Museum will not only learn more about the sailor’s tools, food/drink, weapons, and personal items but also tour the Hill House as well, Portsmouth’s only historic home museum. Free to the public.
