It’s been awhile since we’ve been on here, but let’s just say the super fancy new look of our blog — courtesy of the awesome ninjas at Think Tank — has inspired us to get back to it.
What have we been up to? One word: Loads.
Between intensive research and a calendar chock-full of special events, we’ve been busy little bees at the Museum. Here’s what we’ve been up to:
- You know the names McCausland, Clayton and Marshall, don’t you? Not only are these the names of streets that are forever linked to the landscape of St. Louis, but all of them are related to the Campbells. More on this over the next week or so as we finish writing the story.
- Research continues on Eliza Rone, the slave Robert emancipated in 1857. We have now found her grave and we are learning more about her and her extensive family in Kansas City.
- More Campbell loot was returned to the Museum. This time, wereceived a vase that Hugh Campbell gave to the cook, who gave it to another servant upon her wedding. After we accession it (i.e. hoity-toity museum
Our new (sort of) vase! term that means to make a new record for the item and formally bring it into inventory), we are going to do a blog post all about the piece, complete with family pictures.
Are you looking for things to do over the next couple of months? Check out our events page, but here’s a quick lowdown of what’s happening:
- Lucas Place Walking Tour AND a trip to the Schlafly Tap Room. Saturday October 1 (that’s this Saturday), 2:00-4:00 PM. Back when the Campbells moved into this house in 1854, Lucas Place was THE place to be. Director Andy Hahn will take the group through the house, then we’ll hit the street where he will point out where the big names lived as well as other sites including the original St. Louis Art Museum and the location of the first documented roller coaster (!). After the tour is done, we’ll stop at
the Tap Room where one beer is included in your tour ticket price. Hosted with Landmarks Association. Tickets are $25.00; only $20.00 if you are a Campbell House or Landmarks member. Tour is filling up quickly, so call us at 314/421-0325 to reserve your spot! - Psychic Party, Saturday, October 8th from 6:30 to 9:00 PM. Yes, you read that right. Is the house haunted? We’ll never tell, but come to festivities to find out for yourself. We’re throwing a party the way the Campbells did: gourmet food in the dining room, an assortment of French wines in the kitchen and the house is open for exploring. Two psychics will be on-hand for private tarot card readings on the third floor. Hosted by our very own Tim Rohan, this party was a hit last year, so make your reservations soon by calling 314/421-0325. Tickets are $50.00, and wine, beer, heavy hors d’oeurves and a tarot card reading are included in your ticket price.
- Twilight Tour, Thursday, October 13 from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. We offered our first Twilight Tour this week, and one guest said, “THIS is the way to see a museum.” We couldn’t agree more. Come down to the house to enjoy wine and a selection of hors d’oeurves while you explore the house and garden. At 6:15 we will begin an evening tour of the house, a unique experience that — literally — showcases the handsome home in a whole new light. Tickets are $20.00; only $10.00 for Campbell House members. Please call us at 314/421-0325 for reservations.
- Members Party, Saturday, October 22 from 3:00 to 6:30 PM. It’s our semiannual members party, so come down to the house for refreshments and our special Anniversary Celebration to commemorate the Museum Store’s 20th year. We will be offering 20% off all items in the shop, so you can stock up on some early holiday gifts.
- Holiday Historic House Tour, Thursday, December 1st. Details will be posted as soon as they are available.
Thanks again for checking out our new blog, and stop in often to learn about museum news and events.