Signature Events
WINTER
TPR Winter Musicale, February, a musical evening in Hill-Stead’s Drawing Room
Surrounded by Impressionist masterworks of Monet, Manet and Degas, you'll experience the magic of Hill-Stead Museum at night — and an evening concert in the parlor. At this Patron-level event, guests mingle over hors d’oeuvres and wines, then enjoy an intimate concert on the 1901 Steinway grand piano. Past performers have included members of Hartford Symphony Orchestra, The Hartt School competition winners, and other fine local jazz and classical musicians. Champagne, dessert and conversation with the performers follow the concert.
To become a member of the Theodate Pope Riddle Society, visit Membership Benefits and Savings, or contact Paul Stigliano at 860.677.4787 ext 131 or .
Hill-Stead Holiday Boutique
December 1 & 2, 2012
10 am–4 pm
Hill-Stead Museum’s Holiday Boutique is held yearly during the first weekend of December. More than twenty-five artists and crafters bring their best to present a dazzling array of unique holiday gifts: botanicals, including magnificent orchids; clothing and accessories; fine art and antiques; home and bath items; jewelry; and sweet and savory treats. Admission to the boutique is free. A local eatery offers delicious soups, sandwiches and desserts at minimal prices.
On the Sunday of Holiday Boutique weekend, be sure to include a visit inside the museum. You'll be met with festive period decorations, and have the opportunity to "meet the Pope family" as they prepare for the holidays… just as they did at the turn of the century. Hill-Stead staff greet you in period costumes as you tour the house at your own pace. Regular admission to the museum lets you enjoy this very special event.
See other holiday events at Hill-Stead
SPRING
May Market, Farmington Valley's Premier Garden & Crafts Emporium
May 10 & 11, 2013
This annual two-day plant and crafts emporium brings art, history, and garden enthusiasts to Hill-Stead. More than 65 exhibitors set up booths throughout the lush grounds and historic stone buildings, offering hard-to-find perennials, shrubs and quality crafts for house and garden. Hints from Master Gardeners, daily gardening and cooking demonstrations, face painting and many crafts activities create a festive atmosphere. Organized and presented by the museum's dedicated Hill-Steader volunteers, May Market is a not-to-be-missed Hill-Stead Museum event. For details on 2013 May Market events and to buy tickets, see MAY MARKET 2013 SCHEDULE & TICKETS
For May Market volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, contact Becky Trutter at 860.677.4787 ext 132 or .
Monet in May Dinner Auction
May 23, 2013
Outstanding auction items… island golf getaways, fine wines, art and antique treasures, and much more distinguish this signature benefit event. Creative cocktails, exceptional dining and spectacular hilltop views from Hill-Stead’s West Lawn await the guests and bidders.
To receive an invitation or buy a ticket, contact Becky Trutter at 860.677.4787 ext 132 or .
See our Monet in May 2012 Photo Gallery
SUMMER
Sunken Garden Poetry Festival, June-August
Since 1992, audiences have enjoyed verse and music among the fragrant blooms of Hill-Stead’s Sunken Garden. The performance series has featured the likes of Billy Collins, YusefKomunyakaa, Maxine Kumin, Taylor Mali and Grace Paley. Festivities include a plein air café and bookstore, and meet-the-poet opportunities. Bring your friends, a picnic and settle in for an evening of world-class entertainment.
Go to: Poetry Performance page
Farmers Market, July-October
2013 Season begins July 7
Every Sunday, 11 am–2 pm
Hill-Stead Museum’s Farmers Market was established in 2009 to honor the agricultural history of Hill-Stead, as inspired by architect and founder Theodate Pope Riddle. Shedesigned and ran this now historic landmark as a fully-operational dairy farm and orchard from 1901–1946. The Hill-Stead Farmers Market offers the community a resource that, in the words of Slow Food USA, “links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment.”
People everywhere are embracing the movement towards eating healthful and environmentally-responsible foods that supports local farmers, promotes agricultural sustainability, and encourages community interaction. The Hill-Stead Farmers Market hosts over 20 Connecticut farmers and vendors who offer an array of locally grown, fresh, and organic vegetables, fruits, dairy products, free-range eggs, naturally raised beef, veal, pork and lamb, baked goods, flowers, wool and Angora goat yarns, soaps and hand-made Italian Ices.
The "CT Grown" designation ensures that everything sold here was grown or produced in the state. The market is "Producer Only;" patrons can talk directly with growers and producers about growing methods or product uses. Each week a different non-profit community group is given the opportunity to highlight their organization at our Community Table. Find out more on our Farmers Market web page.
FALL
Dinner on the Hill, September Farm-to-Table Feast
September 15, 2013
In this crowning celebration of Hill-Stead’s Farmers Market, locally-renowned chefs create a multi-course dinner from fresh, seasonal foods provided by Hill-Stead’s own Farmers Market vendors and other Connecticut farms. Select wines complement the al fresco feast; diners are served at long farm tables set against the panoramic sunset view. Proceeds from the event support education and community programs at Hill-Stead, and help support the Farmers Market.
To learn more or to purchase a ticket, contact Becky Trutter at 860.677.4787 ext 132 or .
See our Dinner on the Hill 2012 Photo Gallery
Hay Day
October 6, 2013
A Hill-Stead fall favorite for all ages. Hitch a ride on a horse-drawn hay wagon through the brilliant autumn colors of the Connecticut countryside… build a scarecrow… have your face painted. Tap your toes to Connecticut’s Bristol Old Tyme Fiddlers playing traditional tunes; enjoy hearty food and beverages, or just stroll through Hill-Stead’s meadows and trails. Rain or shine, Hay Day offers opportunities to express your creativity, and enjoy the beauty of the 152-acre Hill-Stead estate. Nominal program and material fees are charged.
BENEFIT EVENTS
Benefit events provide friends and fans of Hill-Stead with additional opportunities to enjoy everything we have to offer, while giving us the critical support we need to preserve this cultural and historic treasure. The following benefit events are organized and presented by the museum’s core volunteer group, the Hill-Steaders, the museum’s Board of Governors, and staff.
May Market, Farmington Valley's Premier Garden & Crafts Emporium
May 10 & 11, 2013
This annual two-day plant and crafts emporium brings art, history, and garden enthusiasts to Hill-Stead. More than 50 exhibitors set up booths throughout the lush grounds and historic stone buildings, offering hard-to-find perennials, shrubs and quality crafts for house and garden. Hints from Master Gardeners, daily gardening and cooking demonstrations, face painting and many crafts activities create a festive atmosphere. May Market is a not-to-be-missed Hill-Stead Museum event. For details on 2013 May Market events and to buy tickets, see MAY MARKET 2013 SCHEDULE & TICKETS
For May Market volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, contact Becky Trutter at 860.677.4787 ext 132 or .
Monet in May Dinner Auction
May 23, 2013
Outstanding auction items… island golf getaways, fine wines, art and antique treasures, and much more distinguish this signature benefit event. Creative cocktails, exceptional dining and spectacular hilltop views from Hill-Stead’s West Lawn await the guests and bidders.
See our Monet in May 2012 Photo Gallery
To receive an invitation or buy a ticket, contact Becky Trutter at 860.677.4787 ext 132 or .
Dinner on the Hill, September Harvest Feast
September 15, 2013
In this crowning celebration of Hill-Stead’s Farmers Market, locally-renowned chefs create a multi-course dinner from fresh, seasonal foods provided by Hill-Stead’s own Farmers Market vendors and other Connecticut farms. Select wines complement the al fresco feast; diners are served at long farm tables set against the panoramic sunset view. Proceeds from the event support education and community programs at Hill-Stead, and help support the Farmers Market.
See our Dinner on the Hill 2012 Photo Gallery
To receive an invitation or buy a ticket, contact Becky Trutter at 860.677.4787 ext 132 or .
Winter Musicale in the Drawing Room
December 20, 2012
Take time out of the holiday hustle and bustle to enjoy a peaceful evening of chamber music among the Impressionist master works in Hill-Stead Museum’s festively decorated Drawing Room. Violist Gebhard Long will be joined by Michelle Davis on flute and Bridget de Moura-Castro on piano to provide participants with an escape from holiday stress in the space American novelist Henry James proclaimed "an exquisite palace of peace, light and harmony." The trio will play unique arrangements of works by a variety of American and French composers, designed to complement the Pope Riddle home and its collection. A 45-minute reception (light refreshments) in the Board Room will precede the performance. Admission is $25 for members, $30 for members-to-be. Space is limited; RSVP by December 17 to Becky Trutter at 860.677.4787 ext 132 or .