Gilded Age Events
Gardens of the Gilded Age Lecture & Tea
April 28, 2026, 6:00 pm
Mattakeeset Garden Club, Pembroke, MA
A lush, illustrated talk exploring the era’s most magnificent gardens and the people who created them — from their renowned owners, the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers and du Ponts, to their celebrated architects and landscape designers.
Gardens of the Gilded Age Lunch and Lecture
April 29, 2026, 11:00 am
Elizabeth Park Pond House, Hartford, CT
Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the Pond House Cafe, richly illustrated lecture, book signing, and a chance to see the beautiful tulip display in the gardens. Make it an occasion—bring your friends and don your finest garden hat or fascinator!
Spring Tea at the Mansion
May 3, 2026, 2:00—4:00 pm
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, Norwalk CT
The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will host a Spring Tea at the Mansion, featuring a talk titled, Gardens of the Gilded Age, by Jana Milbocker. Luxurious tea refreshments, a hat contest, a silent auction, and a special drawing will complement this exciting afternoon. Tickets are limited, and reservations are required.
Gilded Age Tea at Blithewold
June 16, 2026, seatings at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
Blithewold Manor, Gardens, Arboretum, Bristol, RI
Enjoy Jana Milbocker’s richly illustrated lecture about Gardens of the Gilded Age, followed by Tea in Blithewold’s festively decorated Dining Room, a place where fine meals have always been served to cherished guests. Gather with friends and exchange stories while delighting in a cup of tea, freshly baked scones with clotted cream, and a three-tiered tray filled with sweet and savory treats. Simply luxurious! Come in, sit down, relax, and enjoy the moment.
Blithewold is one of 30 magnificent estates profiled in Gardens of the Gilded Age, so plan to leave time for a tour of the mansion and gardens!
Gardens of the Gilded Age
Book Launch and Lecture
June 17, 2026, 4:00 pm
Castle Hill at the Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA
Join author Jana Milbocker for the premier book launch of her new book, Gardens of the Gilded Age! Held in the Great Ball Room at Castle Hill, one of the finest Gilded Age estates on the East Coast! Prior to the illustrated lecture, book signing and refreshments, tour the mansion and formal gardens, including the Grand Allee, the Sunken Garden, the Italian Garden and more!
Newport Flower Show 2026
Sunday, June 21, 2026, Lectures at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm
Rosecliff, Newport, RI
Join Jana Milbocker for two lectures on Gardens of the Gilded Age at the famous Rosecliff Mansion during the 30th annual Newport Flower Show. This year’s theme is “Pearls of Newport.” This milestone event will feature exquisite floral exhibits inspired by the rare beauty and hidden treasures of the City-by-the-Sea. Just as pearls symbolize elegance and sophistication, the show will spotlight stunning floral designs, botanical arts and horticulture displays that reflect Newport’s rich heritage and refined charm. The theme will also connect naturally to the city’s coastal identity and maritime history.
In a graceful nod to the Gilded Age, when fashionable Newport women often wore pearls as a symbol of refinement and status, the show will blend historic elegance with modern creativity.
Gardens of the Gilded Age Lecture
June 27, 2026, 3:00 pm
Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion Museum, Philadelphia, PA
Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion Museum showcases Victorian-era Philadelphia through its architecture, gardens, and collections as well as educational programming, tours, theatre productions, and lectures. Learn about the history, plants and design elements of Gilded Age gardens and enjoy a virtual tour of stunning examples during a lecture by author Jana Milbocker. Book signing and refreshments to follow.
Longwood Gardens Book Signing
June 27, 2026, 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Longwood Gardens Gift Shop, Kennett Square, PA
Join author Jana Milbocker for a book signing at the world-famous Longwood Gardens!
Gardens of the Gilded Age Lecture
July 8, 2026, 2:00 pm
Lake & Valley Garden Club and Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown, NY
Learn about the history, plants and design elements of Gilded Age gardens and enjoy a virtual tour of stunning examples during a lecture by author Jana Milbocker. Book signing and refreshments to follow.
Gardens of the Gilded Age Tea and Talk
July 14, 2026, 4:00 pm
Ventfort Hall: Gilded Age Mansion & Museum, Lenox, MA
Located in the center of historic Lenox, Ventfort Hall is one of the Gilded Age “Berkshire Cottages.” Built by the Morgan family, the opulent Jacobean-style mansion is richly ornamented with carved wood paneling, marble fireplaces and intricate plaster ceilings. Enjoy a virtual journey to the stunning gardens of the Gilded Age era with a lecture by Jana Milbocker and a Gilded Age high tea in the elegant dining room. Bring a friend and wear your favorite hat!
Gardens of the Gilded Age Interview and Book Signing
July 16, 2026, 5:00 pm
The Mark Twain House & Museum, Hartford, CT
The Mark Twain House was home to Samuel Clemens and his family from 1874 to 1891. Designed in Victorian Gothic Revival style, the house is a gorgeous example of a Gilded Age mansion, filled with ornate details and family heirlooms. Tour the mansion prior to a Q&A and discussion with author Jana Milbocker followed by a book signing.
Gardens of the Gilded Age Tea and Talk
July 21, 2026, 11:00 am
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit, NJ
Enjoy a virtual journey to the stunning gardens of the Gilded Age era with a lecture by Jana Milbocker and a Gilded Age high tea in the elegant dining room. Bring a friend and wear your favorite hat!
Gardens of the Gilded Age Lecture and Garden Tour
July 22, 2026, 4:30 pm
Highfield Hall Estate, Falmouth, MA
Step back into America’s golden era with acclaimed author, garden designer, and speaker Jana Milbocker as she presents her newest book, Gardens of the Gilded Age. In this richly illustrated talk, Jana explores the breathtaking estates and legendary landscapes created for families such as the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and du Ponts—alongside the visionary architects and designers who brought their grandeur to life. Discover the stories behind these magnificent gardens and the people who shaped them, then meet the author during a book signing.
Books will be available for purchase
Light refreshments will be served
Enjoy an exclusive guided tour of Highfield’s gardens led by Garden & Landscape Director George Chapman (tours at 2:30 and 3:30 pm)
Make it an occasion—bring your friends and don your finest garden hat or fascinator. Prizes awarded for best hat!
Gilded Age Getaway in the Berkshires
July 24–26, 2026
Enjoy a taste of the Gilded Age with a special 3-day tour of the Berkshires in July. We will tour the mansions and gardens of The Mount, Ventforth Hall, Naumkeag, and Chesterwood, stay at the historic Red Lion Inn, relax with a delicious afternoon tea, attend a Shakespeare play, and create a floral memento of our trip.
Gardens of the Gilded Age Tea and Talk
August 22, 2026, 2:00 pm
Lyndhurst Mansion, Tarrytown, NY
Overlooking the Hudson River in Tarrytown, NY, Lyndhurst is one of America’s finest Gothic Revival mansions. Designed in 1838 by Alexander Jackson Davis, the mansion’s architectural brilliance is complemented by its beautiful furnishings and the estate’s park-like landscape. Enjoy a virtual journey to the stunning gardens of the Gilded Age era with a lecture by Jana Milbocker and a Gilded Age tea followed by a stroll through the gardens.
Gardens of the Gilded Age Tea and Talk
August 23, 2026
Locust Grove Historic Site, Poughkeepsie, NY
Locust Grove features a villa in the Italianate style designed in 1850 for artist and inventor Samuel F. B. Morse by architect Alexander Jackson Davis. Enjoy a virtual journey to the stunning gardens of the Gilded Age era with a lecture by Jana Milbocker and a Gilded Age high tea. Bring a friend and wear your favorite hat!
Gilded Age Getaway in the Hudson Valley
September 19–21, 2026
Enjoy a taste of the Gilded Age with a special 3-day tour of the Hudson Valley including the mansions and gardens of Lyndhurst, Untermyer Gardens, Wave Hill, Glenview Mansion and the Frick. Stay at the historic Tarrytown House Estate, relax with a delicious Afternoon Tea, and enjoy art and lectures.
Gardens of the Gilded Age at Greenwood Gardens
November 1, 2026, 3:00 pm
Greenwood Gardens, Short Hills, NJ
At Greenwood Gardens, you will be stepping back through 100 years of history to encounter formal terraced gardens, Arts and Crafts follies, stately fountains, hidden grottoes, romantic woodlands, and winding paths. Join author Jana Milbocker for a lecture about the grand gardens of the Gilded Age, followed by a book signing and refreshments.
Gilded Age Getaway in Newport
December 6–8, 2026
Enjoy a Gilded Age holiday with a special 3-day tour of the richly decorated Newport Mansions! We will tour The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms, stay at The Viking Hotel, enjoy Afternoon Tea at Blithewold, and a special guest from the Gilded Age.
Gardens of the Gilded Age Tea and Talk
April 4, 2027
Eustis Estate, Milton, MA
Eustis Estate is a rare surviving example of late nineteenth-century architecture and design. Built in 1878, the Eustis Estate features stunning, intact architectural and design details, and is sited on eighty acres of picturesque landscape at the base of the Blue Hills. Enjoy a virtual journey to the stunning gardens of the Gilded Age era with a lecture by Jana Milbocker followed by an Afternoon tea.
Gardens of the Gilded Age Tea and Talk
May 2, 2027
Morven Mansion & Garden, Princeton, NJ
Built for a Founding Father, and the site of New Jersey’s first governor’s mansion, Morven is a National Historic Landmark open to the public for museum exhibitions, garden visits, and cultural and educational programs. Enjoy a virtual journey to the stunning gardens of the Gilded Age era with a lecture by Jana Milbocker and an Afternoon tea followed by a stroll through the gardens.
““The Gilded Age talk was a huge hit! You did a great job at describing the financial/social/cultural circumstances that influenced the creation of these magnificent homes and gardens. It was SO interesting! As always, as you saw from the comments, attendees were enthralled and delighted with the presentation-as was I!””
““Enjoyed the presentation and so loved the best times to visit when the plantings are most brilliant. Loved the history with each garden. Lovely evening and excited to start the journey/bucket list. ””
““Thank you so much for your delightful and engaging presentation on The Gardens of the Gilded Age. It was like taking a tour back in time to visit the lovely gardens and impressive mansions of a by-gone era. You also spurred our interest to visit some of the places. Thank you for sharing your expertise and your beautiful photos. Our members enjoyed it.””
““On behalf of the Hardy Plant Society, we want to thank you for your marvelous program on Gardens of the Gilded Age. So many have shared their enthusiasm for now going to many of the gorgeous gardens you highlighted.””
