Discover a Decorative Art Paradise in Delaware with Farms Afield!
From the desk of Executive Director Vonda Givens
I’m beginning with a belated Happy Birthday to Gustav Stickley! On March 9, the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms marked 162 years since his birth. And the celebration will go on. Throughout the month, we’re asking Stickley fans to honor his life and legacy with the purchase of a museum membership. When you buy a new membership—for yourself or another Stickley fan–or renew your membership, your contribution supports the preservation of Gustav Stickley’s beloved property and its daily operations. Members become a part of our nationwide community of Arts and Crafts fans and enjoy access to a variety of benefits, including our members-only Farms Afield travel program. Our trips offer exclusive travel experiences and the camaraderie of attendees who share your interests. This year’s trip will take us to the lovely Brandywine Valley in Delaware. If you haven’t visited this region, or it has been a while, you’re in for a treat. Read on for the details…
Farms Afield: Discover Delaware
Discover Delaware’s beautiful Brandywine Valley on our 2020 Farms Afield—a three-day trip exploring the beauty and treasures this picturesque region. In the early 20th century, the Brandywine Valley was home to the DuPont family, who built an American industrial empire, amassed a family fortune, and dotted the region with glorious estates, including Winterthur and Longwood.
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley, Winterthur, and its 60 acre naturalistic garden, is the historic estate of the DuPont family. Its 175 rooms, and permanent and changing exhibition galleries, house H.F DuPont’s unparalleled collection of American decorative arts. Winterthur Library’s extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts includes Gustav Stickley’s business records. Our full-day experience, planned especially for our group by the Winterthur staff, includes tours of the home, gardens and library.
The Delaware Art Museum boasts the largest and most significant collection of British Pre-Raphaelite art in the United States. Additionally this fall, the museum will host the traveling exhibition, Louis Comfort Tiffany: Treasures from the Driehaus Collection. We’ll be treated to tours of both installations with the curators.
Lady Lilith, 1866-1868 (altered 1872-1873) , Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828–1882). Oil on canvas, 39 × 34 in. (99.1 × 86.4 cm) Delaware Art Museum, Samuel and Mary R. Bancroft Memorial, 1935
Meet us in Wilmington for special experiences at both estates and a 5-star stay at the historic Dupont Hotel, a member of historic hotels worldwide. Overlooking Rodney Square in the historic district of Wilmington, this elegant hotel guarantees we’ll travel in style!
Farms Afield attendees will stay at the beautiful and historic Hotel DuPont.
Want to register or learn more? Visit StickleyMuseum.org or call 973-540-0311.