In the early days of summer, as fragrant blooms fill the air and golden light drifts through historic trees and gardens, the Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden—one of earliest historic house museums in the country invites you to experience something truly extraordinary. On Saturday, May 30th (Rain Date: May 31st) from 4:00 – 7:00 pm, the museum will host a festive fundraiser, “Wine, Cheese & Art Please,” at 49 Hollow Road in Woodbury. The celebration unfolds in the museum’s renowned Gertrude Jekyll Garden, designed in 1926 by the famed English horticultural designer, writer, and artist Gertrude Jekyll. Influential in shaping modern garden design, Jekyll’s work is revered around the world—and this garden remains the only surviving example of her design in the United States.
Adding artistic vibrancy to the event are 12 talented artists, showcasing work in a rich array of styles and media. From abstract canvases to delicate pastels, charcoal portraits to cutting-edge digital work, ceramics to poetry books, there is truly something for every art lover. Guests can watch works come to life, commission original pieces, and even sit for a portrait! Participating artists include: Raffaela Arcamone, Becky Butler, Sandy Carlson, Sharon Curran, Sandra Daignault, Sharon Famiglietti, David Jean, ShawnaLee W. Kwashnak, Kathleen L’Hommedieu, Lucy Pierpont, Christiane Schmohl, and Aaliyah Willets. Every purchase carries added purpose: 20% of all art sales support the Glebe House Museum, a National Historic Landmark, which has operated as a museum for 101 years. A silent auction featuring specially selected items will provide yet another opportunity to support the museum’s preservation efforts.
Guests are invited to indulge in a selection of tasty bites, each chosen to elevate the experience. The menu features delectable cheeses from New Curds on the Block, fresh oysters supplied by To the Gills, and an enticing array of sweet and savory hors d’oeuvres. Enhancing these culinary offerings is a selection of fine wines, including the renowned Walker Road Vineyard’s “Gertrude’s Garden.” Each pairing has been selected to enhance this historic setting, creating an atmosphere perfect for lingering and savoring every moment. With glass in hand and surrounded by natural beauty and intriguing pieces of art, this promises to be an experience to remember, while supporting history for future generations.
Guests will also have the unique opportunity to explore the main floor of the Glebe House during the early evening hours—a rare occasion, as the home is seldom open to the public at this time. Authentically furnished to reflect its Revolutionary War era origins, the house offers an immersive glimpse into the daily life of Reverend John Rutgers Marshall and his family, who once resided in the “glebe.” Touring these historic rooms in the soft, ambient light provides an atmospheric experience, evoking a sense of what life might have been like before electricity, when candlelight softly illuminated the walls.
Whether you come for the wine & bites, the art, the historic home, or the internationally celebrated garden, “Wine, Cheese & Art Please” promises a joyful celebration of creativity, community, and preservation. All proceeds from Wine, Cheese & Art directly benefit the Glebe House Museum & Gertrude Jekyll Garden, ensuring that its history, garden, and educational programs continue for generations to come.
Event Details:
What: Wine, Cheese & Art Please
Where: Glebe House Museum 49 Hollow Road, Woodbury
When: Saturday, May 30th (Rain Date: May 31st) 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Tickets: $30 per person For online ticket purchases and additional information, visit: http://www.glebehousemuseum.org
To reserve tickets by check or cash 203-263-2855 / office@glebehousemuseum.org
About the Glebe House & Garden
Nestled in the scenic Litchfield Hills in the heart of historic Woodbury, the Glebe House Museum offers a unique look at Revolutionary War-era Connecticut. The restored 18th-century farmhouse, once home to Reverend John Rutgers Marshall and his family, is furnished to reflect daily life during the American War for Independence. Opened to the public in 1925, the Glebe House is one of the nation’s earliest historic house museums and has welcomed visitors for over a century. Its restoration was led by Henry Watson Kent, a leading figure in American decorative arts. Gertrude Jekyll, one of the most influential garden designers of the 20th century, designed the museum’s garden in 1926. This classic English-style garden features 350 feet of vibrant mixed borders and is the only surviving example of Jekyll’s work in the United States. The garden is now in its fourth year of full restoration.
Connecticut Travel 