A Perfect Spot of Tea

A centuries-old tradition of afternoon tea continues at the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum with “A PERFECT SPOT OF TEA,” a summer series beginning Saturday, July 7th. Ever since the house’s construction in 1752, Hadley residents and other passers-by have visited the farmstead for good conversation, a beautiful view, lively music, and a beverage that, as original resident Elizabeth Porter Phelps once wrote, “cheers but not inebriates. ” The museum keeps this colonial tradition alive every Saturday in July and August. Seatings are held at 2:30 and 3:30 PM; the grounds are a smoke-free site. Admission is $10.

To kick-off the series, A Perfect Spot of Tea will feature musical guest High Definition, a Northampton vocal ensemble with a boundless repertoire. Whether singing madrigal or jazz, sacred song or irreverent ditty, the women of High Definition bring to every piece an energy and sensibility all their own. High Definition is Karen Gengler, Catherine Kay, Polly Keener, Ann Markes, Jennifer Page, Andi Porter, Amy Putnam, Sharon Saline, and Laurel Turk.

Our 2012 "A Perfect Spot of Tea" lineup is as follows:

July 7 High Definition: Female a cappella ensemble
July 14 Mando Paradiso: A mandolin orchestra with ethnic and classical influences
July 21 Show of Cards: Hybrid folk-rock and jazz
July 28 West and Jackson: Classic and original jazz and pop instrumentals
August 4 22 Srutis: A cello and sitar duo
August 11 JMPT Quartet: An acoustic quartet with Old World flavor
August 18 Same Old Blues: Classic ragtime country blues in the Piedmont style
August 25 Honest Harmony: Popular a cappella music from the 15th-19th centuries

In addition to talented local musicians, A Perfect Spot of Tea also features delicious pastries, attentive service, and, of course, plenty of Earl Grey tea. Everything at the event—flowers, tea, food, service, and music—is generously donated by local businesses and residents. Come to A Perfect Spot of Tea and engage with the community, past and present!

For an additional fee, guests may also tour the Porter-Phelps-Huntington House Museum. The house, which remains unchanged since the family’s occupancy, tells the story of six generations of prominent Hadley natives. The family, prosperous traders turned farmers, fought in both the French and Indian and Revolutionary Wars, rose to prominence in local government, and embodied a consistently progressive social consciousness. Tours highlight both local and regional narratives, ranging in focus from architecture, material culture, and labor, to early-American theology, economics, and social movements.

The Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum is located at 130 River Drive (Route 47) in Hadley, two miles north of the junction of Routes 9 and 47. The Museum is open for guided tours Saturday through Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and by appointment. For further information about tours or other programs, please call the Museum at (413) 584-4699 or visit our website at www.pphmuseum.org.