Lanst Chance for Tickets: Historical Society Luncheon

The ’s third Mansfield House Garden Luncheon will take place on July 25th on the grounds behind the Mansfield House, 151 Main Street.  Two seatings will be available; 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and the cost per seat is $20. The garden luncheon features a summer salad plate, fruit, cupcakes, iced tea and lemonade.

Proceeds will go toward needed repairs to both the house and surrounding grounds. Reservations are required and can be made my calling 860-346-0746. Please reserve your seat early as they book fast! Group bookings are also welcome.

The Middletown Historical Society is a non-profit organization started in 1901 and is “dedicated to preserving the history of Middlesex County as well as providing programs for adults and children to increase their understanding of the area’s past.” 

The organization is headquartered in the Mansfield House, one of the few residential structures still standing on Main Street. Built in 1810, the house was occupied by General  Joseph King Fenno Mansfield, a civil war hero who died in the battle of Antietem. It was owned by the Mansfield family until the 1950s when it was purchased by the Middletown Historical Society and saved from its slated demolition.

Today, it serves as historical landmark and museum offering exhibits that include art, photographs and a variety of historical artifacts. All exhibits will be open during the day of the luncheon. The Mansfield House  boasts a sprawling 90-by-300-foot yard that includes a 120-year-old gingko tree. 

It also has a beautiful herb garden on the northeast corner of the house that is maintained by the Middletown Garden Club.  “Open to the public during daylight hours, the front garden features a lovely formal herb bed, brimming with Russian sage, thyme, verbena and other perennial herbs while the thick border of lilacs offers a fragrant sanctuary for springtime visitors.”

Along with the museum, The Historical Society hosts several annual events including historic graveyard walking tours, Civil War re-enactments and a lecture series. Upcoming events include an evening with Matthew Warshauer, Professor of History at CCSU on September 14th, Civil War Day on September 15th and their annual antique car show at Middletown High School on October 7th.

The Mansfield House is open from 10am to 3pm Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10am to 12pm on Fridays and the first Saturday of every month from 12pm to 3pm. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students and seniors. The museum is a blue star museum which means that it offers free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 2012. “The program is collaboration among the museums and the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the Department of Defense.”

For information about The Middletown Historical Society, the Mansfield House or upcoming events, please visit middlesexhistory.org