Located in the heart of downtown Gainesville, the Matheson History Museum is home to the 1867 Matheson House, permanent and temporary exhibits on Alachua County and Florida history, and a local history library and archives filled with resources for the researcher and the curious alike. Throughout the year we host a variety of programs on local and Florida history. We invite you to join us!
Description
We've decked the halls and have a gift for you! All tickets are now on sale for 50% off.
If you previously purchased a ticket, we will be issuing a partial refund of the difference in price.
Join us for a journey through time this holiday season as we celebrate "Dashing Through History" at our festive holiday open house. Step into a world where history and the holidays intertwine, and experience the magic of the season as it was celebrated in different eras.
Event Highlights:
🕰️ Historical Decor: The Museum Complex will be adorned with decorations inspired by different historical periods. Marvel at the charm of bygone traditions and enjoy the sparkling decorations.
🎶 Live Music: A live band will be located in both the Museum and on the front porch of the Matheson House. As you stroll the grounds, enjoy listening to sounds of the season from Patchwork and Annie and David Cook from Bella Luna.
🍽️ Refreshments: Sweet Tooth Creations will be providing cookies, cupcakes, and dessert shooters. Attendees will also enjoy a self-serve drinks station with hot chocolate and more. There's something to delight every palate.
🌲 Historic Crafts: Engage in hands-on historical craft activities for the entire family, such as gilded nuts, paper ornaments, and paper chains.
📜 Stories of the Past: Learn about the history of the Matheson Family, the four historic buildings in the Museum Complex, and the almost 30-year history of the Museum.
🎁 Gift Shop: Explore our gift shop, where you can find unique presents and books on local and Florida history to make your own holiday season truly special.
📸 Photo Opportunities: Capture memories of your visit with photo opportunities that make for perfect holiday cards and social media posts, including a photobooth with Santa Claus by Sharplenz Photobooth!
🤗 Community and Connection: The holidays are all about coming together, and this open house is a time to connect with friends, family, and neighbors. Share stories, laughter, and the spirit of the season.
Admission: This is a timed ticketed event to help us manage crowd size throughout the event. We estimate that visitors will spend an hour enjoying the festivities, and you will get the same experience in each time slot!
Tickets are $16 $8 for Members, $20 $10 for the General Public, and $10 $5 for Youths ages 5-18. Children under 5 are free. The promo code for members is in the email sent on December 6, 2023 Subject: "Join us for our last two programs of 2023!"
Tickets will be available for Members on November 10th and the General Public on November 17. If you aren't a Matheson Member but want to have early access to tickets, you can join today! Visit our website to learn how: https://mathesonmuseum.org/membership/.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to step back in time and celebrate the holidays with a twist of history. "Dashing Through History" is sure to be a memorable and heartwarming experience for all ages. We can't wait to share the holiday spirit with you.
This event is sponsored in part by Visit Gainesville/Alachua County, FL; The City of Gainesville; and by the Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of the Arts and Culture, and the State of Florida.
Date & Time
Dec 16, 2023 12:00 PM-4:00 PM