Free Octagon tours for mom on Mother’s Day

In celebration of mothers, the Octagon House Museum is once again offering free tours for mothers accompanied by a paying child (of any age) on Mothers’ Day, Sunday, May 10, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Reservations are requested for groups of 10 or more.

During tour hours, complimentary cookies and lemonade will be served in the anteroom of the Carriage House, located just behind the Octagon House, 1004 Third St. The freshly stocked Museum Gift Shop will be open for browsing and shopping.

Sunday’s visitors will have an early look at this year’s theme, “Victorian Frugalities” which explores the many ways Victorians survived during hard times. Victorians were well versed in money-saving ways: they grew and preserved their own food; they wasted nothing and reused everything; women had work-at-home jobs and more.

Admission is $7 for adults, $3 for students ages 12 to 18, and $2 for children ages 5 to 12. For more information, call (715) 386-2654 or visit www.pressenter.com/~octagon.

‘Victorian Frugalities’ theme

The Octagon House Museum Complex, 1004 Third St., opens for the 2009 tour season Friday, May 1.

When recession plagued Victorians, they learned to tighten their belts and make do. This year’s house theme, “Victorian Frugalities,” explores the many ways Victorians survived during the lean years. Learn about their frugal ways in the rooms of the Octagon House Museum.

The St. Croix County Historical Society maintains the Octagon House and its gardens, the Garden House and the Museum Gift Shop. Spring and summer walk-in tours are available May-September. The museum is open Wednesday-Saturday, noon to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday, 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Groups of 10 or more should make advance reservations by calling the Octagon House at (715) 386-2654. Tours last about an hour; admission is $7 for adults, $3 for students ages 12 to 18, and $2 for children ages 5 to 12. For large groups (25 plus), special times and events may be pre-arranged with additional options such as an afternoon tea, city tour, etc.

The historical society continually seeks new members and volunteers. Anyone interested in preserving local history may want to consider a membership. More information is available at www.pressenter.com/~octagon.

Tags: community, hudson, octagon_house, museum, mothers_day, tours