Belle Meade Plantation’s Victorian Society
Benefits include discounts to many events, free whist nights, free members only events, exclusive events, and lapel pin.
Greetings!
We are so excited to get the 2013 Victorian Society underway! Below is our schedule of events for the year, and what an exciting one it will be! Beneath the schedule is a link to the membership form. We will also offer our first event in January (19th Century Undergarments) as a free event to anyone who is interested in joining but would like to see what the Victorian Society is all about!
Victorian Society 2013 Schedule of Events
19th Century Undergarments
January 26th, 6-8 pm
Ever wonder what women wore under those elaborate hoops and bustles? Come and be a part of a lively discussion of women’s unmentionables in the 19th century and learn how they changed along with prevailing fashion trends.
We Two: Victoria and Albert: Rulers, Partners, Rivals by Gillian Gill
February 16th, 6-8pm
Was Queen Victoria’s marriage to Prince Albert a love match or was it a marriage of duty and responsibility? Did he love her as much as she adored him? Let’s discuss the book, “We Two” while we enjoy and glass of wine and some fine chocolate.
Art During Victoria’s Reign
March 30th, 6-8pm
Are you interested in learning how to paint? Have you even been to an art museum and wished you knew more about the period or artist? Then join us at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts for a lively discussion on Victorian Art and a class on painting and techniques with Autumn Potter! This event is limited to 30 people so look for your invitation and RSVP soon!
The Minstrel Show: How a Black-eye on American History Paved the Way for Modern Entertainment
April 27th, 6-8pm
Join us in the Mansion Parlors as our Music Historian, Matt Klinedinst, gives a seminar on the Minstrel Show—the most popular form of entertainment in the late Victorian period. The multi-media presentation will conclude with a question and answer segment, followed by a dessert reception in the Culinary Kitchen.
Two Rivers Excursion
May 25th, 10:30am
Join us on an outing to the Two Rivers Mansion as we take a behind the scenes tour with Site Manager, Laura Carillo.
Pickin’- Nic Party
June 29th, 6-8 PM
An evening of Food and Music! Wear your period Garden Costume as we will be enjoying Victorian pic-nic games like Croquet and Hunt the Ring, and dine on BBQ (as was the Belle Meade custom). If you play an instrument, bring it with you and join in for a “good-ole-fashion” picking party on the side porch. The evening will conclude with the lighting of sky lanterns.
Movie in the Parlors
July 27th, 6-8pm
Come join us in the Mansion Parlors for an evening of film festivities! We will watch a movie in the parlors and enjoy some theatre refreshments. The film is TBD.
Parthenon Excursion
August 31st, 10am
Since 1897, the Parthenon has sat boldly in Nashville (and somewhere in Greece as well). Come join us as we take a tour of the structure, see the beautiful statue of Athena, and tour the Nashville Art Exhibit in this behind the scenes tour!
A Magnificent Obsession: Victoria, Albert, and the Death That Changed the British Monarchy by Helen Rappaport
September 28- 6-8pm
Queen Victoria’s deep mourning for Prince Albert inspired many to honor their departed loved ones with elaborate jewelry, stationery, clothing, and memorials. The ritual of “Proper Mourning” became an integral part of life in the 19th century. Let’s discuss the book, “A Magnificent Obsession” and talk about why we think these elaborate rituals and rules eventually fell out of favor in America.
Victorian Masquerade
October 26th, 6-8pm
Don your masks and costumes and join in the festivities in a celebration of All Hallows Eve! Enjoy music, dancing, refreshments, and for a good bit of fun, come have your cards read by our thrilling Tarot Card reader! This evening is sure to be a scream!
A Christmas Carol: A Live Reading
November 23rd, 6-8pm
Come and enjoy a live reading of an abridged version of the classic Christmas story A Christmas Carol! As we convene in the library of the Mansion, Jessi Klinedinst will perform the classic tale complete with dialects!
Christmas Party
December 14th, 6-8pm
Join us at The Gaylord Opryland Hotel for dinner at the Cascades American Café and then an exploration of the beautiful Christmas lights!
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