News
Find out what’s going on at Victoria Mansion and learn more about the collection in these posts and by joining our mail and e-newsletter lists.
Featured Articles
7th Annual Opera at the Mansion
On July 17, the Mansion once again reverberated with glorious singing when it hosted the 7th annual Opera at the Mansion, a joint benefit with Opera Maine (formerly PORTopera). We introduced a new format for the evening that was very successful. Before the concert, more than sixty attendees gathered under the Mansion's tent on the lawn to enjoy wine, cocktails, and delicious hors d'oeuvres from Blue Elephant Events & Catering. Guests returned to the Stair Hall for the concert which featured Eliza Bonet, Anna Bridgman, Andrew Paulson, and Mackenzie Whitney from Opera Maine's upcoming production of Giuseppe Verdi's La traviata. Ms. Bridgman and Mr. Paulson, members of the company's Studio Artist Program, had also recently [...]
Visitation in Full Swing at the Mansion
We're right at the height of tourist season at Victoria Mansion, welcoming visitors from Pennsylvania to the Philippines! We're so pleased that so many travelers from around the world have taken the time to sign our guestbook. Here are a few of the comments we've seen so far: "The house has such an exciting history! What a delightful journey through time."- Benedetto & Sara, Crown Point, IN "Great concept with the staff being so knowledgeable and so passionate about the house and the history! We can't wait to return."- The Overweel Family, Hilversum, Holland "One of the most beautiful homes I've [...]
Remembering Our Friend, Alice Dwyer Ross
It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of our friend and former Museum Shop Buyer and Manager, Alice Dwyer Ross. Alice passed away surrounded by her family on June 6 after a battle with cancer. Her memorial service was held on June 19 in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. She is survived by her children Gavin, William, Patrick, and Kathleen, along with nine grandchildren and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, siblings, and friends. We were so lucky to have Alice as part of our staff here at Victoria Mansion, a place she cherished. Her charm, humor, and impeccable taste will [...]
Renovations in the Carriage House Museum Shop
Recent visitors to the Mansion may have noticed the new glass paneled doors of the Carriage House Museum Shop. What was predicted to be a straightforward installation proved to be more complicated, as the old wooden doors, badly in need of updating, produced a considerable amount of rot underneath the granite thresholds of the shop's entryway. Our long-time wood and technology conservators, Bob and Sebastian Cariddi, removed the rot and the new doors were installed by O&P Glass of Augusta last month. The doors are just another step in the on-going renovation of the Carriage House, which hasn't seen substantial [...]
Reception Suite Conservation Update: Recent Grant Finances Phase Two in Full
Last month, the Mansion was awarded a generous grant of $25,000 from the Davis Family Foundation, completing the financing for the second phase of our major conservation project in the Reception Suite. The Davis grant, along with support from the Robert Trulaske, Jr. Foundation, the Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust, the Robert & Dorothy Goldberg Foundation, the Felicia Fund, the Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust, the Phineas W. Sprague Memorial Foundation, Valley Charitable Trust, Linda and Diana Bean, Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Johnson, Charles and Marylee Dodge, and Charlotte Brown fulfilled the original matching pledge of $130,000 from the Institute of Museum [...]
Upcoming 7th Annual Opera at the Mansion: Get Your Tickets Now!
On Monday, July 17, the Mansion will host its 7th annual joint benefit with Opera Maine(formerly PORTopera), Opera at the Mansion. This year's offering will feature the casts of Opera Maine's productions of Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata and Jack Perla's An American Dream. The evening will begin with complimentary wine, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres under the tent on the Mansion's private lawn before the singers 'take the stage' in the Mansion's Stair Hall. After the program, guests are invited to enjoy more refreshments and meet the singers under the tent. The event will begin at 5:30pm and run until 7:30pm, with doors opening promptly at 5:25. Tickets are [...]
Allagash Victoria Ale 2017 Premiere Recap
This year's Allagash Victoria Ale Premiere was a great success! Despite fears of rain, it was a beautiful night to take in live music from Mansion newcomers The MisAdventures, and enjoy signature ales from Allagash Brewing along with craft beverages from Green Bee and Maine Mead Works on the Mansion's private lawn. Allagash founder Rob Tod presented Executive Director Tom Johnson and President of the Board Drew Oestreicher with a check for $11,000 to support restoration and education at Victoria Mansion. Combined with ticket sales, this year's fundraiser earned over $18,000! Thanks to all who attended and helped make this annual favorite a night to remember and a [...]
Admissions and Shop Sales Up in the First Month of the 2017 Season!
In just the first month of the 2017 season, the Mansion has already welcomed almost 1,700 visitors (up about 200 people or 13.5 percent) and shop sales have increased an incredible 71 percent from May of 2016! With cruise ship and bus tour season approaching, we expect to welcome many, many more visitors from across the country and around the world as the season progresses. We've also enjoyed considerable media coverage in recent months, with a fantastic feature in DownEast Magazine's Maine Homes blog and coverage on the conservation of the Reception Suite, and our Mother's Day teacup sale on [...]
Upcoming Theme Tours
Save the date for these upcoming special theme tours! The third Tuesday of each month of the season, Victoria Mansion staff members offer up a more in depth look at aspects of the Mansion not usually covered on a typical house tour. If you missed May's theme tour on Victorian Entertaining, look forward to June 20th's tour on Technology in the Mansion and July 18th's tour on symbolism given by Lucinda Hannington, Director of Education & Visitor Services. Tours are $20 for non members and $15 for Mansion members and children. Click here to register now for June's tour and [...]
Reception Suite Conservation Update
Much has happened with our major conservation project in the Reception Suite since our last update in April. After completing the cleaning of the ceiling decoration, the conservators sprayed a layer of stable, synthetic resin to preserve and protect the original surfaces. Then, on top of this barrier, they inpainted losses in the ochre-colored areas and applied 23-carat shell gold where it was missing. Conservators are now working to finish cleaning the walls. After that is accomplished, the walls will be treated with the barrier resin and inpainting will begin where there are areas of loss or overpaint. Last week [...]
Allagash Victoria Ale Premiere 2017
We were so pleased with the turnout for last Friday's Allagash Victoria Ale Premiere! Luckily the weather held up and guests enjoyed tastings of Allagash ale, mead from Maine Mead Works, and soft drinks from Green Bee Craft Beverages, along with great live music from The MisAdventures. All in all, we raised over $18,000 to benefit the Mansion! Thanks to all who helped support this fabulous event.
Mother’s Day Teacup Sale!
On Sunday, May 14 from 1:00-4:00 Victoria Mansion will host an antique and vintage teacup sale to benefit educational programs at the Mansion. Each $5 teacup purchased pays for two students to visit the Mansion free of charge. This event will be held rain or shine, so bring your mom, bring your friends, bring yourself, to shop for a good cause. We have hundreds of cups to suit all tastes!