Gilded Age Events
Gardens of the Gilded Age Garden Tour and Talk at Lyndhurst Mansion
August 22, 2026, Garden Tour: 11:00 am, Lecture: 12:00 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 guided tour or Lyndhurst’s gardens, followed by a presentation on the stunning gardens of the Gilded Age era by Jana Milbocker.
Gardens of the Gilded Age Tea and Talk at Locust Grove Historic Site
August 23, 2026, 2:00–4:00 pm
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 Afternoon Tea to benefit the Locust Grove Gardens Restoration. Bring a friend and wear your favorite hat!
Gardens of the Gilded Age at Bernards Township Library
September 8, 2026, 7:00 pm (Virtual)
Bernards Township Library, Bernards Township, NJ
Join author Jana Milbocker for a virtual lecture about the grand gardens of the Gilded Age. The event is free and open to the public.
Gardens of the Gilded Age at Holliston Public Library
September 15, 2026, 6:30 pm
Holliston Public Library, Holliston, MA
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 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 South Windsor Garden Club & Library
October 24, 2026, 2:00 pm
South Windsor Garden Club & Public Library, South Windsor, CT
Join author Jana Milbocker for a lecture about the grand gardens of the Gilded Age, followed by a book signing and refreshments.
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.
Gardens of the Gilded Age at Annapolis Horticultural Society
November 4, 2026, 7:30 pm
Annapolis Horticultural Society, Annapolis, MD
Join author Jana Milbocker for a lecture about the grand gardens of the Gilded Age, followed by a book signing and refreshments.
Gardens of the Gilded Age at Griffin Free Library
November 10, 2026, 6:00 pm
Griffin Free Library, Auburn, NH
Join author Jana Milbocker for a lecture about the grand gardens of the Gilded Age, followed by a book signing and refreshments. Sponsored by the Massabesic Garden Club & Griffin Free Library.
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 at Colonial Dames of Massachusetts
December 9, 2026, Luncheon
Colonial Dames of Massachusetts, Boston, MA
Holiday luncheon with a lecture about the grand gardens of the Gilded Age by Jana Milbocker, followed by a book signing.
Gardens of the Gilded Age at Mount Dora Public Library and Lake & Valley Garden Club
January 26, 2027, 11:00 am
Mount Dora Public Library, Mount Dora, FL
Join author Jana Milbocker for a lecture about the grand gardens of the Gilded Age, followed by a book signing.
Gardens of the Gilded Age Lecture at Hillwood Estate
February 24, 2027, 6:30 pm
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, Washington, DC
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is the former Washington, D.C. home of cereal heiress and philanthropist Marjorie Merriweather Post. Set on 25 acres overlooking Rock Creek Park, this sprawling neo-Georgian estate features one of the largest collections of Russian imperial art outside of Russia and 13 acres of tranquil, formal gardens. Enjoy a virtual tour of the stunning gardens of the Gilded Age era, part of the annual Great Homes and Gardens lecture series.
Gardens of the Gilded Age Tea and Talk at Eustis Estate
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 at Morven Mansion & Garden
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.
Gardens of the Gilded Age Brunch and Talk at Cape May Museum, Arts, & Culture
Sunday, June 6, 2027, 10:00 am
The Inn of Cape May, Cape May, NJ
Established in 1894, The Inn of Cape May, has been an elegant retreat for vacationers for more than 100. Enjoy a delicious brunch followed by Jana Milbocker’s presentation on Gardens of the Gilded Age.
Past Events
August 2, 2026, 10:30 am
Bedrock Gardens, Lee, NH
Gardens of the Gilded Age: Inspiration from America’s Grandest Landscapes
Join garden author Jana Milbocker for a fascinating exploration of the lavish landscapes of America’s Gilded Age. Drawing from her newest book Gardens of the Gilded Age: Lavish Landscapes from America’s Golden Era, Jana will share stories of the extraordinary gardens created for families such as the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and du Ponts, revealing the history and design inspiration behind these remarkable spaces. As you stroll through the garden together, she will connect ideas from these historic estates to plants and design elements you can use in your own landscape. Tea and cookies will be included.
August 1, 2026, 1:00 pm
New England Botanic Garden, Boylston, MA
Gardens of the Gilded Age Lecture
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 to follow.
July 24–26, 2026
Gilded Age Getaway in the Berkshires
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.
July 22, 2026, 4:30 pm
Highfield Hall Estate, Falmouth, MA
Gardens of the Gilded Age Lecture and Garden Tour
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 and refreshments. Tours of the grounds by director of landscape.
July 19, 2026, 12:00 pm, followed by Tour of Hildene’s Gardens
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, Manchester, VT
Gardens of the Gilded Age Lunch and Lecture
A virtual journey to the stunning gardens of the Gilded Age era with a lecture by Jana Milbocker and a luncheon at the beautiful Gilded Age estate Hildene. The luncheon and book signing was followed by a tour of Hildene’s Formal Garden, which is featured in the book, and a Gilded Age Tussie Mussie Workshop.
July 16, 2026, 5:00 pm
The Mark Twain House & Museum, Hartford, CT
Gardens of the Gilded Age Interview and Book Signing
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. Q&A and discussion with author Jana Milbocker followed by a book signing.
July 14, 2026, 4:00 pm
Ventfort Hall: Gilded Age Mansion & Museum, Lenox, MA
Gardens of the Gilded Age Tea & Talk
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. I presented a virtual journey to the stunning gardens of the Gilded Age era followed by a Gilded Age high tea in the elegant dining room.
July 8, 2026, 2:00 pm
Gardens of the Gilded Age Lecture & Book Signing
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.
June 28, 2026, 11:00 am–3:00 pm
Longwood Gardens Book Signing
Longwood Gardens Gift Shop, Kennett Square, PA
June 27, 2026, 3:00 pm
Gardens of the Gilded Age Lecture & Book Signing
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. I presented a lecture on the history, plants and design elements of Gilded Age gardens and a virtual tour of stunning examples.
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Gardens of the Gilded Age
Newport Flower Show 2026, Rosecliff, Newport, RI
I presented two lectures on Gardens of the Gilded Age during the 30th annual Newport Flower Show. This year’s theme was “Pearls of Newport, which connects the elegance of the Gilded Age to the city’s coastal identity and maritime history.
Thursday, June 18, 2026, 2:00 pm
Gardens of the Gilded Age Tea and Book Signing
Wellesley Books, Wellesley, MA
Wednesday, June 17, 2026, 6:00–8:00 pm
Gardens of the Gilded Age Book Launch and Lecture
Castle Hill at the Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA
Tuesday, June 16, 2026, 10:00 am–12:30 pm
Gilded Age Tea at Blithewold
Blithewold Manor, Gardens, Arboretum, Bristol, RI
Sunday, June 14, 2026, 12:00–3:00 pm
Gardens of the Gilded Age Book Signing
Briggs Garden & Home, N. Attleboro, MA
May 3, 2026, 2:00—4:00 pm
Spring Tea at the Mansion
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, Norwalk CT
April 29, 2026, 11:00 am
Gardens of the Gilded Age Lunch and Lecture
Elizabeth Park Conservancy, Hartford, CT
April 28, 2026, 6:00 pm
Gardens of the Gilded Age Lecture & Tea
Mattakeeset Garden Club, Pembroke, MA
““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.””
