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Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Morven's "Festival of Trees" returns Wednesday, November 16


FESTIVAL OF TREES

WHEN: November 16, 2022, through January 8, 2023, Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: 
Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton Street, Princeton,
TICKETS: Walk up admission tickets and Museum passes are subject to availability in our Museum Shop. Tickets are $10 General Admission, $8 for Seniors, Students, Active Military (with ID), and Youth (ages 7-18), and free for children (up to age 6), as well as Morven members. Included in admission price, visitors may also view our permanent exhibition, and our special exhibition Ma Bell: The Mother of Invention in New Jersey.

Morven’s annual winter exhibition, Festival of Trees, has become a must-see holiday tradition. Come enjoy the museum’s elegant galleries, mantels, and porches artfully decorated for the holidays by local businesses, garden clubs, and non-profit organizations.  

This year’s decorators include: American Repertory Ballet, Highbar Boutique, Lawrenceville Main Street/The Landscape Committee, Mount Laurel Garden Club, Neshanic Garden Club, Nottingham Garden Club, Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad, Junior League of Greater Princeton, Princeton Garden Theatre, Princeton Mobile Food Pantry, Princeton Ski & Sail Club, Princeton University Press, SAVE — A Friend to Homeless Animals, Stony Brook Garden Club, The Garden Club of Princeton, The Present Day Club, and the West Trenton Garden Club.

On Thursday, December 1 at 6:00 p.m., join our hosts, Rebecca Zack Callahan, Jen Eident Finn, Colleen Goggins, Carolyn & John Healey, Rachel Herr, Courtney Lederer, and Eileen & Robert O’Neil for a night to remember at Morven’s Festival of Trees Winter Garden Party. Our expansive backyard garden will be transformed into an enchanted winter wonderland complete with fire pits and twinkling lights offering ample room for guests to gather, enjoy spirited beverages, hearty hors d'oeuvres, and sparkling conversation. New this year will be handcrafted beer from Triumph Brewing Company, a performance by TCNJ’s premiere a cappella group the Trentones, and Museum Shop discounts for all of our guests through the duration of the exhibition, ending Sunday, January 8, 2023. During the Winter Garden Party, the Museum will be open for decor viewing along with the Museum Shop featuring unique gifts to help with your holiday shopping.

TICKETS:  $175, with the option to purchase higher Sponsorship levels.
RSVP by Wednesday, November 23. Weather date is Sunday, December 4 at 6:00 p.m.
All proceeds from the event support’s Morven's vision that one day all citizens will know and understand America’s history and pursue civic duty actively and responsibly. For more information contact Megan Shackney, Chief Development Officer, at 609-924-8144 x 101 or mshackney@morven.org.

Alongside the holiday display, Morven is also offering several festive programs to brighten up your winter season. On Tuesday, November 29, at 1:00 p.m., come to Morven for a Holiday Wreath Making Workshop (there is also a second session at 6:00 p.m. the same date that is currently sold out.) Create a wreath using a variety of natural decorations from Morven’s gardens, ribbon, and assorted “holiday bling” with guidance from Morven’s Horticulturist Louise Senior. No prior experience is required. Space is limited to 24 participants. This workshop is most suitable for ages 12+. 

TICKETS:  $55 General Admission, $45 for Morven Members. Ticket price includes one wreath.

On Tuesday, December 6, at 3:00 p.m., express your creativity at Morven this holiday season with a Historic Paper Quilling Workshop. Inspired by the Festival of Trees, join teaching artist and founder of Hummingbird Arts April Zay as she leads the class in creating unique festive designs and holiday cards. No prior experience is required. All supplies will be provided. Participants get to take home their artwork and a paper quilling tool. Space is limited to 25 participants. This workshop is most suitable for ages 12+. 

TICKETS: $20 General Admission, $10 for Morven Members. Tickets include access to the Festival of Trees from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. prior to the workshop. Explore and gain inspiration for your paper quilling artwork prior to the class.

On Wednesday, December 7, at 5:30 p.m., join us for a magical evening of Holiday Storytime with the Princeton Storytelling Circle. The evening will start with a self-guided tour through the museum’s enchanting Festival of Trees followed by snacks and story time in the Stockton Education Center. Five storytellers from the Princeton Storytelling Circle will share a diverse collection of winter folk tales and holiday stories that are sure to delight adult and young audience members alike. This event is recommended for ages 4+. 

TICKETS: $25 General Admission, $15 for Morven Members. One ticket includes admission for up to two adults and four children.

Lastly, on Thursday, December 15, at 6:30 p.m., celebrate the holiday season with a special “after hours” tour of Morven’s first floor with Deputy Director and Curator Elizabeth Allan. Amidst the beautiful Festival of Trees, Beth will share little-known stories not included in Morven’s regular tour while illuminating a few ongoing mysteries uncovered during research. Attendees will enjoy holiday-themed snacks and cocktails in the Museum’s Garden Room before the tour. 

TICKETS: $20 General Admission, $10 for Morven Members. Space is limited to 20 participants.

Morven Museum & Garden, 55 Stockton St, Princeton, NJ is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Funding for the Ma Bell exhibition has been provided in part by AT&T Services Inc., The Hess Foundation, Liza and Schuyler Morehouse, The Astle-Alpaugh Family Foundation, Richard Lounsbery Foundation, Lisa and Michael Ullmann, Fulton Bank, and Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

Funding for Festival of Trees has been provided in part by Baxter Construction, Ronica A. Bregenzer, Architect LLC, Callaway Henderson Sotheby's International Realty, Keller Williams Realty Princeton, PNC Private Bank, Capital Health, and CBIZ Borden Perlman.

ABOUT MORVEN MUSEUM & GARDEN

Most historic sites celebrate one notable resident. Morven is unique in that it was home to many remarkable people. Built in the 1750s and home to one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Morven was home to five generations of Stocktons, then Robert Wood Johnson, Jr. before becoming New Jersey’s first Governor’s Mansion and home to five New Jersey governors, their families and staffs, witnessing nearly 300 years of history. Morven is located at 55 Stockton Street, Princeton, NJ and is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The gardens are open daily until dusk.

Our Belief is that history is an anchor to the past and a beacon to the future. Preserving and examining the past is vital for educating good citizens who will build a greater society. Our Vision is that one day all citizens will know and understand America’s history and pursue civic duty actively and responsibly. Our Mission is to preserve and celebrate Morven’s legacy by sharing its authentic stories.


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