Somerset County - Kingston - Candlelight Christmas Tours: Washington's Fantastic Beasts: Animals in the Washington World
 |  |
| |
Sunday, December 9 – Somerset County
Washington's Fantastic Beasts: Animals in the Washington World
Have you heard of Madame Moose? Or Sweetlips? Or how about Nelson and Blueskin? What do Shire, Devon and Hog Island have to do with 18th-century farming? What animals did George Washington have a strong hand in introducing to America? Rockingham will present its annual Candlelight Holiday Tours on Sunday, December 9th from 11 am to 4 pm. This year's theme revolves around the "beasts"-pets, working animals, wild-that were part of Washington's and his family's life. Learn about the funny names some of his many dogs had, what wild animals were important to Mount Vernon's (Washington's main farm) economy and what various creatures served as pets in the Washington household.
The Live Historians Club of Montgomery Township High School will be presenting the faunal information in period dress as visitors are touring from room to room of the historic house, which will be enhanced in the restrained 18th-century style of holiday decoration. Practitioners of Musik will be on hand providing lilting melodies, Rockingham Association members will have the Museum Store open and there will be refreshments available in the Dutch barn.
Please be advised, as always for Candlelight, that space is limited so advance tour RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED to guarantee admission and must be made by calling 609-683-7132 through Nov. 18 or 609-683-7136 after Nov. 18. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person or $10 per family. Tours will be offered at least every half-hour with 3:30 being the last tour. We hope you can join us!
Directions
From Princeton follow Route 27 (Nassau Street) north into Kingston. Turn left on to Laurel Avenue (Route 603). Rockingham is one mile north, on the left side of the road. The parking lot is past the house and tree line, also on the left.
From Route 206 follow Route 518 east through Rocky Hill, across the canal bridge. Turn right onto Route 603 (Kingston-Rocky Hill Rd.). Travel south for approximately one mile. The parking lot is on the right before you come to the house.
