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Winterthur's Yuletide Tour Will Inspire Visitors With Treasured Traditions and Holiday Celebrations

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WINTERTHUR, Del., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The Yuletide tour at Winterthur Museum & Country Estate will showcase rooms dressed in seasonal finery for holiday celebrations both old and new, offering visitors inspiration for decorations and celebrations in their own homes. Winterthur, the former home of Henry Francis du Pont, is one of the 10 grandest mansions in America.

On view from November 23, 2007 to January 6, 2008, the tour features special touches like whimsical topiary animals along with traditional favorites including Winterthur's famed dried flower tree and lavish holiday decor. Highlights include a special selection of dog paintings including Ides of March by Andrew Wyeth, and Jack Russell Sleigh and Ziggy on Ice by Jamie Wyeth.

"The holiday season is rooted in family celebrations, with treasured traditions that evoke nostalgic childhood memories," says Jeff Groff, Winterthur's director of public programs. "This year's tour, with its focus on children and pets, is sure to spark happy reminiscences, and might inspire some new ideas for your holiday celebrations."

Several rooms on the tour take their inspiration from Winterthur's current K is for Kids exhibition and Pets in America: The Story of Our Lives with Animals at Home.

The display in the Conservatory will celebrate garden fun with topiary animals, blooming trees and flowers, and live songbirds in cages. The sweeping Montmorenci staircase will feature 22 stockings hanging from it, recreating the holiday celebration of a Mississippi family in 1860. There was a stocking for each family member, including a tiny pink one for the newborn baby.

Another room will depict the Christmas celebration of Henry Francis du Pont and his family at Winterthur in the 1940s.

Several lavishly decorated trees will add to the holiday display, including the Dried Flower tree, covered with hundreds of blossoms, including dahlias, cockscomb, hydrangea, marigolds, and roses. Another will re-create the Christmas tree made in the White House by Archie Roosevelt, son of Theodore Roosevelt. It had presents for the cat, dog, and pony.

Special events round out the season's offerings. These include choral and chamber music performances and 'Tis the Season Tuesdays, with special how-to demonstrations. Winterthur will be open Mondays throughout the Yuletide season and will offer extended hours Tuesday evenings for tours, shopping, and dining.