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 Learn
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!
The 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 with a lecture and refreshments! Held at Castle Hill, one of the finest Gilded Age estates on the East Coast! Tour the mansion and formal gardens, including the Grand Allee, the Sunken Garden, the Italian Garden and more!
The Gardens of the Gilded Age Tea and Talk
July 14, 2026, 4:00 pm
Ventforth 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!
Newport Flower Show 2026
Sunday, June 21, 2026, 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm
Newport Flower Show (RI), Lectures and book signings
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 and Garden Tour
July 22, 2026, 3:00 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 3:00 and 4:00 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.
Gilded Age Getaway in the Hudson River Valley
September 19–21, 2026
Savor the Gilded Age with a special 3-day tour of the lower Hudson River Valley in September. We will tour the mansions and gardens of Kykuit, Lyndhurst, Untermyer Gardens, and Wave Hill, stay at the historic Tarrytown House Estate, relax with a delicious afternoon tea, attend a concert, and create a floral memento of our trip.
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 Chateau Sur Mer, stay at the Newport Harbor Hotel, enjoy Afternoon Tea at Blithewold, attend a concert, and create a floral memento of our trip.
““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.””
