The Rensselaer County Historical Society (RCHS) will present the 53rd Annual Greens Show this December 3rd through the 6th. This year?s version of the longstanding tradition transforms twelve rooms of the 1827 Federal-style Hart-Cluett House into “A Christmas Celebration of the Hudson?s Gifts.” Members of the Van Rensselaer Garden Club incorporate fresh trees, greens and flowers to create beautiful history-inspired displays that are truly a feast for the senses. The 2009 Greens Show theme was inspired by this year?s Quadricentennial celebration and features splendid arrangements that evoke Henry Hudson, the Dutch heritage of our region, and the natural beauty of the Hudson River.
The RCHS Greens Show will also offer a number of new features this year, including a special tour and lunch package, the new exhibit, “Uncle Sam: The Man in Life and Legend,” and the unveiling of the commemorative Hart-Cluett House print recently commissioned by RCHS from George E. Shear of ARCHistration.
The Greens Show is open to the public from Thursday, December 3 Sunday, December 6, 2008, from Noon-5:00 pm daily. Admission to the Greens Show is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and children over five. Admission is free for children under five.
Highlights of the 53rd Annual Greens Show include:
Troy?s Treasurers, Tour & Lunch, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons.
RCHS and Daisy Baker?s Restaurant have partnered to offer a Greens Show tour followed by a delicious three-course luncheon for groups of 4 or more ($25/person). Call 272-7232 x17 for more information or reservations.
Holiday Arrangement Demonstration & Sale, Thursday 2-4 pm, Friday Sunday 1-4 pm.
Learn how the Van Rensselaer Garden Club members create their unique holiday arrangements.
Wreath Display and Silent Auction, 12-5 pm daily.
Visit the Carriage House to view and place bids on one of 50 wreaths decorated by Van Rensselaer Garden Club members.
Free Family Night, Thursday, 5-8 pm
Make family memories together during the Greens Show Family Night. The Show will be open until 8:00 pm and admission is free beginning at 5:00 pm. Family night activities include self-guided tours of the Hart-Cluett House, craft activities for kids, and holiday stories under the big tree in the Front Parlor. Photos with Santa will be available in the Toy Room for $10.
Candlelight House Tour, Friday 5:30-8 pm
See the Hart-Cluett House as you?ve never seen it before! RCHS staff members will lead guided tours of the house on the evening of Friday, December 4th, from 5:30-8 pm. The admission fee for this special tour is $10.00 per person
Lecture by Michael Halloran on Saturday at 2pm entitled Thomas Cole?s Mythical River: Hudson River School paintings viewed from the bottom of the Poestenkill Falls.
Music and Merriment during the Victorian Stroll , Sunday, 2-4 pm
On Sunday, December 6th during the Victorian Stroll, harpist Lydia Zotto will perform seasonal music in the Front Parlor from 2 to 4 pm. This is the fifth year that this talented young musician has been part of the Greens Show.