10th ANNUAL COLONIAL CHRISTMAS EXPANDS TO TWO WEEKENDS  Features Gala Dinner at Trump National Golf Club, Unveiling of Commissioned Painting of Gen. Henry Knox Colonial Christmas at the Vanderveer/Knox House & Museum Celebrations, Events, and House Tours Week 1 - November 29 - December 2, 2012 Week 2 - December 7-9, 2012

Deck the Halls for New Jersey's Premiere Colonial Christmas Celebration

Step back in time (to the winter of 1778-79) and visit Bedminster’s historic Jacobus Vanderveer House, which opens its wreath-clad doors for the tenth annual Colonial Christmas show house and tour. Due to its growing popularity, this year’s event is expanded to two weekends and will be open to the public 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday – November 30-December 2 and December 7-9.  Image: The 1813 Main Parlor of the Jacobus Vanderveer House features window boxes overflowing with red ilex berries, while a date topiary graces the dining table.  Photo courtesy of Stephen Taylor

Highlights of the festive fundraiser include:

• An exhibition of paintings by noted American landscape artist John Phillip Osborne, including the unveiling of a specially commissioned painting of Gen. Henry Knox.  Exhibit courtesy of the Stringer Gallery, Bernardsville.
• Colonial holiday decorations by David Mitchell, Artistic Director, Still Life Fine Event Design, Harding
• Permanent exhibits -- The Kitchen Hearth, The Vanderveer Parlor,The Knox Bedroom, and The Lumber Room
• Colonial and Federal antique furniture on loan from the Newark Museum
• 18th Century bedroom interpretation and period costumes by Lady Ellen Ruck, Colony Farm Antiques, Chester
• Boutique shopping, Colonial musicians, re-enactors, Santa visits and more

A champagne tour of the home, featuring the unveiling of “General Knox at the Pluckemin Academy” by John Phillip Osborne, followed by a gala dinner at Trump National Golf Club, kicks off the event on Friday, November 30.  The “Savor the Season” Gala will feature seasonal wine and food pairings, a silent auction, a treasure chest and period music.  The evening will include a special tribute to honorees Grania Allport, Laurie Brueckner, and Ellen Vreeland, past trustees who, among other major contributions, were responsible for the creation of the Colonial Christmas event.

“Colonial Christmas is our biggest fundraiser for the Jacobus Vanderveer House and a vital means of preserving this extraordinary piece of Revolutionary War history for future generations,” commented Leslie Molé, President of the Board of Trustees. “Last year, we welcomed more than 1,500 visitors, including repeat attendees, newcomers and area schoolchildren.  This year, we expect even more visitors with our expansion to two weekends and our growing popularity as the ‘go-to’ event to kick off the holiday season,” she added.

Proceeds from “A Colonial Christmas” will help fund interactive exhibits and period furnishings for the Jacobus Vanderveer House, which is being restored and developed as an educational community resource and museum.

Image: The newly furnished Vanderveer Parlor, part of the original Dutch home, circa 1772, features a fine Delaware Valley walnut William and Mary slant front desk and a walnut veneered double gilt shell mirror.  A 1740 New Jersey wing chair is on loan from the Newark Museum.  Pewter tankards and dishes, delftware and other accessories are displayed in the built-in cupboards. Photo courtesy of Stephen Taylor

Schedule of Events

Thursday, November 29 –

Group Show House Tours

10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Special group rates available for parties of 5 or more. Reservations required.

Contact / Call: 908-212-7000 ext. 611 (During Business Hours)
or Click Here to send us an eMail

Friday, November 30 –

Champagne Tour of The Jacobus Vanderveer House,
“Savor the Season” Gala Dinner at Trump National Golf Club            

Purchase This Event Ticket Online

Click the Ticket to Purchase Online       

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Champagne tour of house and unveiling of commissioned painting “General Knox at the Pluckemin Academy” by John Phillip Osborne (courtesy of The Anne L. and George H. Clapp Educational and Charitable Trust)

7:00 pm

“Savor the Season” Gala at Trump National Golf Club, 900 Lamington Road, Bedminster, NJ

Seasonal wine and food pairings
Silent Auction, Boutique Shopping, Treasure Chest
Musical entertainment

Tickets (includes admission to show house):

Knox Benefactor                                      $ 300
Vanderveer Patron                                   $ 225
Young Patron (25 yrs. and under)           $ 150

*includes weekend admission to the Jacobus Vanderveer House Colonial Christmas

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday – November 30 - December 2, December  7-9, 2012

Open House Tours
10:00 am – 4:00 pm daily

Admission: $10.00/adult  (children 12 and under, free)

Tickets available at the Door Daily During Colonial Christmas.

Featuring period furnishings and holiday décor; an exhibition of paintings by noted landscape artist John Phillip Osborne (courtesy of the Stringer Gallery, Bernardsville), boutique shopping; period music by The Enslows; re-enactors; Santa visits and more.

There will be a unique fundraiser at the cocktail party. The Friends of Jacobus Vanderveer House will offer five spectacular Tiffany items hidden in 50 treasure chests.
Cards to unlock the chests will be sold at a cost of $100 each

Each Saturday & Sunday

Santa will be there for Kids

Sunday Only, December 9

Bernardsville Singers (3pm)

A holiday favorite.

The Holiday Boutique - Grand Shopping... Throughout Colonial Christmas

Several well known local vendors will participate selling holiday themed designer floral arrangements for home and table. Boutiques will sell items for holiday entertaining, gifts, toys, chocolates, jewelry, women’s fashion accessories, handbags, and wrapping paper and more. Greenery will be for sale, and refreshments will also be served. A wonderful holiday shopping experience.

For tickets and information, call (908) 212-7000 ext. 611.

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JVH Events Calendar

Submitted: Brooks Betz
Last Updated : October 13, 2012