Historic Buena Vista Mansion to Host Open House in Conjunction with “A Day in Old New Castle” on May 16, 2009

One-day-only event to feature living history programs presented by Grand Oak Plantation

        (Dover, Delaware—April 8, 2009)—In conjunction with “A Day in Old New Castle,” historic Buena Vista mansion will be open to the public for a one-day-only open house on Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m.  The event is free and open to the public.

        In addition to tours of the historic home, activities will include presentations by Grand Oak Plantation   (www.grandoakplantation.com), a living history organization that recreates scenes from America’s past, circa 1864. Appearing in character and dressed in period clothing, Grand Oak Plantation will present the following programs during its May 16 visit to Buena Vista:

·         “The Under the Skirt Tour” which takes audiences through the maze of clothing that was worn under the skirt of a lady of fashion in the 1800s

·         “Cameo Appearances,” a look at the changing ideas of feminine beauty and the popular myths of the day, realized through an examination of Victorian jewelry

·         A display of period clothing, jewelry, and day-to-day items

Located at 661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), southwest of New Castle, Buena Vista is one of Delaware’s most historic homes. The main section of the house was built between 1845 and 1847 by John M. Clayton, United States Secretary of State from 1849–1850 under presidents Taylor and Fillmore, and United States Senator from 1829–1836, 1845–1849, and 1853 until his death in 1856. The home later became the residence of C. Douglass Buck, Governor of Delaware from 1929–1937 and United States Senator from 1942–1948. Buena Vista and its grounds were donated to the state by the Buck family in 1965 and now serve as a state conference center administered by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.

Decorated today as it would have appeared during Governor Buck’s time in residence, Buena Vista presents an eclectic mixture of architectural styles and décor including an outstanding collection of 19^th Century furnishings formerly owned by the Buck family. As an added seasonal bonus, visitors will have an opportunity to stroll through Buena Vista’s beautiful grounds that are bursting with springtime color.

Buena Vista Open House

Open house date:        Saturday, May 16, 2009, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Location:               Buena Vista Conference and Reception Center

                        661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13)[Back to Press Releases Main]