Downtown Abbey fans will have a chance to enjoy the history and splendery of their favorite PBS Masterpiece Theater show on March 8, beginning at 4 p.m., with a champagne afternoon tea.
The event will feature Carol Wallace, co-author of “To Marry a Lord,” the book that inspired the popular series.
Julian Fellowes, creator of the Downton Abbey series described the book as, “a marvelous and entertaining study of the American girls who came over to England, mostly between 1890 and 1914, to marry into the British aristocracy.”
Participants will enjoy a delectable selection of traditional sandwiches, pastries, and scones together with fine teas and champagne cocktails. Full dress, white- or black-tie or servants livery invited.
In an audio-visual presentation, Wallace will share the historical phenomenon of rich American women who married English aristocrats in the last quarter of the nineteenth century – like Cora Grantham, wife of Downton Abbey’s Lord Grantham. She’ll explain the underlying conditions that made these marriages appealing to both American girls and to English men.
She’ll discuss real-life cases including Jennie Jerome, Winston Churchill’s mother, and Mary Leiter, who is one of the models for Cora.
A book signing will follow the presentation. Only books purchased at The Silo may be personalized. Proof of purchase required.
Open Seating is $75. Patron Tickets: $125 (includes reserved seating, museum open house and champagne toast with Wallace from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.). $250 Silver Level (includes all of the above plus a personalized signed copy of “To Marry a Lord,” and Tea Basket). $500 Underwriter (includes special recognition plus all of the above). Tickets will be held at the door.
Proceeds will benefit Hunt Hill Farm’s ongoing community and educational programs.
For more information, call Furhman at 860-355-0300. To purchase tickets, visit www.hunthillfarmtrust.org