Step back to 1904 and meet Samantha Parkington, an American Girl Doll character, as she enjoys summertime and garden activities.  Come join in the fun as Hearthside hosts its annual Garden Party on Saturday, August 5th!

   1st seating - one table of two available; 2nd seating sold out

Samantha's Doll Garden Party is Hearthside's celebration for young girls and their favorite doll (whether it is an American Girl Doll or not) along with mom, grandma, or another adult. Come hear the story of the American Girl Doll character Samantha Parkington, a 9 year old living at her grandmother’s mansion in 1904. 

American Girl Doll collector, Lisa Minca and her daughter Thea, bring Samantha to life in a delightful presentation as they describe what growing up at that time would have been like and how she spent her summer.  A real treat is seeing the beautiful display of several original Samantha dolls and summertime accessories.  Samantha was one of the historical dolls which began the American Girl Doll in 1986.  Through the engaging historical dolls' stories, we help to create interest of a younger generation and help to preserve history for the future with programs such as this. 

                            

More fun is in store as the girls learn about flowers and their meaning, followed by making a craft with flowers that will be taken home. Summertime refreshments of lemonade, iced tea, and sweet treats are also featured.  Some play time is included too as the girls try their hand at some old-fashioned lawn games including Graces, where a hoop is thrown and caught with a stick, rolling a large hoop, and playing croquet.  

Inside Hearthside, everyone will get to see what life might have been like growing up here.  A special exhibit about the Talbot family, who lived here in 1904, is on display.  A stop in the Gift Shop is a must for the beautiful array of doll clothing and accessories for sale.  

A keepsake photo of each child/adult pair or group will be taken and mailed out after the event, suitable for framing.  There will also be some exciting raffle prizes to take a chance on.  Tickets are 3 for $5 or 12 for $10, so be sure to bring cash to purchase your tickets!  The prizes will be drawn at the end of the second seating.  

Because the program includes activities and a craft appropriate for school age, girls must be 6 or older to attend.  We realize that girls today have so many beautiful dolls, but we ask that you please limit it to just one special doll to bring to this event.  There simply isn't room to accommodate more than one doll per girl (and then mom will be stuck carrying the doll around all day!). 

There are two seatings to choose from at either 12 noon-1:45 or 2:30-4:15 p.m. in order to try to best accommodate as many girls as possible without crowding.  Space is limited, and tickets are available only in advance through the link below.  Tickets are $24 per child and $14 per adult.

This informal event is held rain or shine, under a tent (alternative activities will take place if it is too wet on the grounds to play the lawn games).

We hope you'll join in with your special girl for what will surely be a most memorable day!                                                                 

                             

Register Now!