Hello Readers,
I know I have been away for a while, but I am back. Today I am traveling back to the 1880's. I have dressed for the occupation to once again honor Madam Sissieretta Jones.
I am attending the lecture given by Mrs. Maureen Lee. She wrote a book about the times and tribulations of Madam Sissieretta. She is such an inspiration.
I am getting together with my good friend Phyllis Borrelli-Mulberry,
to have tea and then attend the lecture.
This is going to be an adventurous afternoon.

 We had a successful year at Hearthside,  I am very pleased. I am looking for many new adventures in the house in 2013. After attending our meeting to finalize the calender of events, I am sure it going to be bigger and better.



 I have put up my reenactment clothing for a while. It is time to see what can be wore this year or what I will retire. We are adding a new eras to our events this year. One is the Roaring 20's, the Gatsby days of 1920's. This means a new wardrobe.
I still love the 1880's attire the best.




It was wonderful, last year to adventure into the 1812 era.  Rightfully so, being the Hearthide House was built in 1810.
The house is closed for the next two month and will reopen in March. The events will be posted on our website soon. Check back at The Historic Hearthside House.

I would like to thank the young lady that came to Hearthside for a visit and took these lovely photos. Many thanks goes out to Jeanne Lapierre for sharing her photos in this lovely composition of images and music. On her first visit to the house she fell in love with it just as I did. I am sure you will agree that she has captured Hearthside at it's best. https://vimeo.com/55471847

The comfort of home is what I am grateful for this Thanksgiving. I am grateful for a warm home to come to at the end of a long day of chasing dreams and finances.

This is a wonderful quote that was sent to me and I am passing it along to you. "
I count you among my blessings". Here's to a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family, fun and food (and, of course, hope, inspiration and possibility!).

Welcome to Hearthside House.
The "Victorian Mourning" exhibit, on display this month at The Hearthside House in Lincoln, Rhode Island, explores the unique traditions surrounding mourning during the Victorian era.

Americans took their cues from Queen Victoria, making mourning one of America's first big businesses. "Mourning clothes for ladies were really the first ready-made, off-the-rack clothes that you could buy,"
The exhibit also examines the significance that flowers and food played in Victorian-era funerals, as well as many of the actions following death that were customary, such as having a small funeral tea or dinner in the home of the family.
For more on this event and dates of the exhibit, go to:
http://www.hearthsidehouse.org/news/2012.victorianmourning.html

 The photo on the left was taken by Rufus Waterman in 1900. In the photograph is Mrs. Waterman and the Talbot's cook, Marie Jackson.
 This comparison photo on the right was taken by David Cruz in 2012. In this photo is Mrs. Kathy Hartley and Estelle Barada (me)
 Both photos was taken in the Hearthside House's kitchen.  How amazing.

This past month I enjoyed a step back to the year of 1812, The docents and myself dressed in that period and open the house for a  guided tour of actual artifacts from the War of 1812.







 On display was the  Guerriere's bell and a model of the U.S.S. Constitution. Part of this wonderful exhibit was navigation equipment used on early Naval ships.  One of the docents gave information about the battle with the Guerriere.

The War of 1812: Connections with Hearthside & Great Road | The Valley Breeze