Dutchess County Historical Society Fundraising Auction Ending 11/13

#82 – A Gilded Age Experience at Mills Mansion, Staatsburgh NY

Originally built in 1832 and greatly expanded in the 1890’s, the mansion at Staatsburgh State Historic Site is emblematic of the great country estates built in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to house America’s wealthiest families. Referred to locally as Mills Mansion, it is an elegant example of the beautiful homes built by America’s financial and industrial leaders during the Gilded Age. A 25-room Greek Revival structure was built on the site in 1832 by Morgan Lewis and his wife, Gertrude Livingston, replacing an earlier house that had burned down. This second house was inherited by Ruth Livingston Mills, wife of noted financier and philanthropist Ogden Mills. In 1895, Mr. and Mrs. Mills commissioned the prestigious New York City architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White to remodel and enlarge their Staatsburgh home. After completion in 1896, the house had been transformed into a Beaux-Arts mansion of 65 rooms and 14 bathrooms. Its exterior was embellished with balustrades, pilasters, floral swags, and a massive portico. The rooms were furnished with elaborately carved and gilded furniture, fine oriental rugs, silk fabrics, and a collection of art objects from Europe, ancient Greece, and the Far East. Pride in the family’s Livingston heritage was also demonstrated in the prominent display of portraits of Mrs. Mills’ ancestors through the mansion. Up for auction is a Mills Family Membership which includes: - 4 tickets for standard tour of the mansion - Discount pricing for programs - 20% Discount in Gift Shop - Advance Notice Notice of Programs & Events In addition to the membership are 4 tickets to the "Holiday Whodunnit", a 1 hour, interactive "history mystery" for children and families. Go back over 100 years to a December weekend at Staatsburgh! Come interview the guests and servants (our costumed interpreters) in order to solve the mystery. All children who submit a guess as to "whodunit" will be entered in a drawing for a prize awarded at the end of the year, when we reveal who really dunit! Sunday December 4, Sunday December 11, and Sunday December 18. Finally, enjoy a $30 Gift Certificate to Staatsburgh State Historic Site Gift Shop and pick up a memento to remember your experience! Value $132. https://millsfriends.org/ If this item isn't for you, please consider becoming a Member or making a donation to DCHS here: https://dchsny.org/short/

Track this Item