Christmas at the Steinway: Songs and Stories in the Villa Louis Parlor

Saturday, December 01, 2012 - Sunday, December 02, 2012   Saturday a 7 pm, Sunday at 2 pm

Join the Villa Louis staff and guest performers as they present a collection of Victorian Christmas traditions and Dousman family Christmas-related events through music and stories featuring the recently restored Steinway Centennial D Concert Grand Piano. This is brand new performance event that celebrates both the rich history of the Dousman family's famed Villa Louis and the restoration of their historic grand piano.

Drawing from the Villa Louis' archive of Dousman family letters, business records, photographs and music, "Christmas at the Steinway" weaves together the story of Victorian Christmas in America as well as details from the house itself. In between seasonal 19th-century music, including pieces drawn from the Dousman music collection, guests will hear the loneliness of Mrs. Dousman's first Christmas as a young widow as well as details about the gala ball celebrating daughter Virginia's 18th birthday on December 30, 1893. Rooms on the first floor of the mansion will be decorated for Christmas, and during intermission period treats will be served in the kitchen — including the reconstruction of the punch served at Virginia's debutante ball.

Seating limited to 30 per performance. Reservations required. Make a reservation by calling 608-326-2721 or via email.

Location Info:
Venue: Villa Louis
The historic Villa Louis mansion is the centerpiece of a grand Victorian estate built by the family of Hercules Dousman, a frontier entrepreneur who amassed a fortune in the fur trade and other frontier investments. The mansion has just undergone a top-to-bottom documentary restoration that has returned the Dousman home to the splendor of its 1890s heyday, using British Arts and Crafts interior designs inspired by famed designer William Morris.

Contact Info:
Email: villalouis@wisconsinhistory.org
Phone: 608-326-2721
Fax: 608-326-5507