Residents in the Five Towns and Town of Hempstead are invited to attend the annual Colonial America themed holiday celebration at Rock Hall Museum.
Located at 199 Broadway in Lawrence, Rock Hall was an 18th-century plantation that was transformed into a museum, owned and operated by the Town of Hempstead since 1953.
The historic estate welcomes guest this Sunday from 2:30 to 5 p.m. to experience how the Martin family celebrated the New Year with friends and family. The cost is $18 for adults, $16 for members/seniors and $10 for children.
The museum will be adorned with greenery, garland, holly, red berries and will be lit exclusively by candlelight. Decorations will be up until Jan. 4.
This year, the Holy Roamin’ Carolers will be providing entertainment with holiday songs and caroling in the halls of the museum. Along with holiday festivities, cookie decorating, face painting and children’s activities.
“In the education center we will have children’s activities,” said Amy Vacchio, director of Rock Hall Museum. “It’s a nice event and we try to build off of it every year and this year we can use the new education center.”
Vacchio said the house looks fantastic candlelit and that it’s a pretty way to see Rock Hall. Tours will also be available along with a table filled with sweets and desserts for all to enjoy.
“It’s like out of a picture,” she said. “It’s like a step back in time, it’s wonderful. Between the sounds, lights, colors and the season it’s just so pretty.”
What started out as a membership party has turned into an annual holiday event for the community at large.
“It’s definitely grown over the years but we try to have a different theme every year,” Vacchio said. “It really matters what entertainment we have but it’s been over 30 years total and 10 since we started to advertise it to the public.”
Vacchio said they spend about a month preparing for the holiday celebration that is organized by the Friend of Rock Hall.
The Friends of Rock Hall, a nonprofit founded in 1976 to support the museum, helps fund the programs and featured events that generate income to support the fair. The organization works to preserve the historic site and promote education programs related to it.
Linda Sava, committee member, has been a Friend of Rock Hall for 22 years but has visited the museum before getting involved.
“It’s always nice to see the community come together for the holidays,” Sava said. “Everyone should come see how beautiful Rock Hall looks all decorated for the season.”
Vacchio said she is most looking forward to seeing children come and participate in the holiday themed events and activities.
“I love seeing families come with their children and seeing them face painted and enjoying the sweets,” Vacchio added. “What’s not to love about the holiday season, there’s so much joy in thee air and it’s a lovely time of year.”
To RSVP for the holiday celebration call Rock Hall Museum’s office at (516) 239-1157. Checks can be made payable to the Friends of Rock Hall.
