FIRST SUNDAY GALLERY TALKS

The First Sunday of every month, tour the museum at your own pace from 12 pm until closing, then join an interpreter for a Gallery Talk at 1 pm. Talks (informal) are held in the period rooms and last approximately 30 minutes. Free to members; included with museum admission.

2009

Linens and Things
November 1
Hill-Stead has a wonderful collection of linens not on view to the public. During an ongoing assessment by collections volunteers, there have been many interesting discoveries. This gallery talk will give participants a chance not only to view some of these pieces, but also to get a rare peek into the linen closet to see how they are stored.

Meet the Family
December 6
Travel back in time to the 1908 holidays, when the Pope family entertained such visitors as artist Mary Cassatt. Tour the museum at your own pace and converse with museum interpreters portraying members of the family, their household staff and other illustrious holiday guests.

2010

Seed Sleuthing and Other Colorful Investigations into Historic Gardens
January 3, 1 pm
What makes a flower an "heirloom" or "antique"? How do gardeners learn about and track down long-lost plant varieties? Take a peek at old seed catalogs, seed packets, and other resources and tools used by today's volunteers as they restore Hill-Stead's c. 1920 historic garden. Free to members or with museum admission.

A Stitch in Time: Work Tables and Sewing Boxes
February 7, 1 pm
Utitility does not have to be plain; some of the finest boxes and tables in the museum's collection were created with function in mind. See the inside of tortoise shell boxes that contain thimbles, scissors, needles and mother-of-pearl needle cases. Discover secret compartments in work tables made to hold knitting and embroidery projects. Find out more about the residents of this country estate who had these everyday items embellished for display, nostalgic for a bygone era. Free to members or with museum admission.

Dancers, Bathers & Race Horses: Degas' Favorite Subjects
March 7, 1 pm
French Impressionist Edgar Degas never lost sight of the beauty of line in his work. While some Impressionist artists blurred the edges and deleted the human body from their compositions, Degas remained the consummate draughtsman, studying and drawing the human and animal anatomy from many perspectives throughout his career. He created his stunning pastels using an innovative technique of layering color and fixative; these and his oil canvases remain fresh and vibrant. Hear about his techniques and his treasures in Hill-Stead's collection in this gallery talk. Free to members or with museum admission.

Easter Sunday
April 4
Museum closed to the public.

The Whittemore and Pope Collections of French Impressionism
May 2, 1 pm
Join independent Curator Ann Y. Smith for a discussion of her new book, Hidden in Plain Sight: The Whittemore Collection and the French Impressionists. Smith will enlighten participants about the Whittemore family's extensive collection of Impressionist art, and their close relationship with the Popes. A reception and book signing will follow. Free to members or with museum admission. Find out more about Ann Y. Smith at Lectures 2010.

Poetry Books in Hill-Stead's Library
June 6, 1 pm
Poetry books form an important part of the collection in the museum's library. View a selection of the Pope family's favorite poetry books–some signed by the poets and inscribed to family members as gifts–and hear more about the history of poetry at Hill-Stead. A perfect way to prepare yourself for Hill-Stead's summer Sunken Garden Poetry & Music Festival!