Rockwood Park Preservation Society |
|
|
|
We invite you to become a member of the Rockwood Park Preservation Society. As a member, you are helping to preserve and maintain the natural beauty and historical integrity of Rockwood Park & Museum.
Rockwood Park Preservation Society Meeting
Tue | 5:15 pm | 12/20
Rockwood Museum
4651 Washington Street Extension, 19802
|
|
The Benefits of Membership
A membership to Art-Reach or the Rockwood Park Preservation Society will grant you great benefits including discounts for tours and select programs.
Use “Art-Reach2022” and “RPPS2022” coupon code at check out to unlock membership discount. Proof of membership must be presented at time of tour.
|
|
|
|
|
Visit Rockwood for FREE by Getting a Museum Pass with Your Delaware Library Card
Your FREE entry to art, culture, entertainment and so much more! Get a pass today!
Note: Patrons must have their library card available when reserving a pass.
|
|
Museum Tours - FREE in December |
|
Explore the grandeur, history, and beauty of the Rockwood Mansion, home of the Shipley, Bringhurst, and Hargraves families for 120 years. This tour emphasizes the magnificent mansion interiors and stories of the families that lived there. Reservations are suggested. The tour involves stairs. 90-minute guided tour. All ages. Free in December
Fri | 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm
Sat | 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm
|
|
Tour the first floor of the museum on your own, but don’t worry, the staff will be nearby to answer any questions! Reservations are suggested but walk-ins are welcome. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. All ages. FREE in December
Thu | 10 am - 4 pm
Fri | 10 am - 4 pm
Sat | 10 am - 4 pm
Sun | 12 - 4 pm
|
|
The Dame of Rockwood: Christmahanukwanzaka
A Comedy Show Starring Delaware's Award-Winning Dame Edna Understudy Scott Mason!
Back by popular demand, Dame Edna's award-winning Honorary Understudy will grace Rockwood with Holiday Cheer! Get ready for another belly-busting good time and make sure you come prepared! She's ready to roast all holiday celebrants with crazy zingers, double-entendre one-liners, and mischievous observations of the crowd!
Mr. Mason has been professionally impersonating Dame Edna and entertaining audiences since 2003. He was chosen by Barry Humphries (the real Dame Edna) as her Honorary Understudy in 2010 on Broadway! He blends his own comedic material and that of the real Dame. He was inducted into the Sunburst Convention of Tribute Artists' Hall of Fame for "Funniest Male" in 2011 and won Best Comedian in the Las Vegas Reel Awards in 2010 and 2012. Tickets are $25. Adults
|
|
Featured Exhibit in December
Lighting the Trees: Rockwood's Arboretum
Opens November 30
Rockwood is celebrating the tree collection that was begun in these gardens 170 years ago with a special feature exhibition inside the mansion. The annual holiday decorations have been focused to help tell stories about prized trees in the garden and preservation projects that are aimed at bringing back the glory of the arboretum’s features. You can view this display during any normal and evening tour in through January 8.
|
|
Holiday Events and Programs |
|
The Holiday Open House at Rockwood Park & Museum is a free family event. Guests enjoy spectacular holiday displays of lights in the park, museum tours, free photos with Santa, and performances from local choirs, dance companies, and more. In addition, New Castle County is proud to offer the Santa Shop which includes students and groups making and selling crafts, jewelry, and other gift items. Volunteer for this event! All ages. FREE
Fri | December 2 | 5 - 9 pm
Sat | December 3 | 5 - 9 pm
|
|
Watercolor Kids: Holiday Decorations and Cards |
|
Kids of all experience levels will study form, color, and light/shadow through still life and landscape compositions in graphite and watercolor. The lessons will be taught inside or outside the museum depending on the weather and theme. Children will be encouraged to paint fun, themed displays of found objects and interesting locations from multiple angles. $10, $5 NCC residents, supplies included. Ages 6-12
Sat | December 3 | 10 - 11 am
Thu | December 8 | 5 - 6 pm
|
|
Holiday Portraits at Rockwood
Private photography sessions inside Rockwood’s famously decorated interiors
|
|
Rockwood makes the most romantic holiday backdrop for your seasonal portrait session. Pose with lights inside the conservatory, under one of our two dozen trees on view, or up a winding staircase draped with garland and candles. Fun for one or for a whole family-sitters will be given a free link of their full photo shoot within three days-plenty of time for holiday cards. This unique portrait package is made possible through photo studio La Bella Vita Event Company (www.PhotographybyLBV.com). To make reservations, contact Museum Director Ryan Grover at 302-650-2513 / [email protected]. Schedule extra 45 minutes for costume change.
Fri | December 9 | 4 - 8 pm
|
|
Winter Lights at Rockwood |
|
Rockwood is celebrating the tree collection that was begun in these gardens 170 years ago with a special feature exhibition inside the mansion. The annual holiday decorations have been focused to help tell stories about prized trees in the garden and preservation projects that are aimed at bringing back the glory of the arboretum’s features. Visit in the evenings on the following dates. FREE
Fri | December 9 | 5 - 8 pm
Sat | December 10 | 5 - 8 pm
Fri | December 16 | 5 - 8 pm
Sat | December 17 | 5 - 8 pm
|
|
Poetry in the Mansion: For the Season |
|
Poetry for the Season – Resident Poet David P. Kozinski , recently featured in Delaware Today Magazine, will present festive and thoughtful poems of the holidays, both sacred and secular, amid Rockwood’s seasonal splendor. There will be an open mic after the featured reading, so bring a poem or two short ones to share. FREE
Sat | December 10 | 1 - 3 pm
|
|
Rockwood Park & Museum is hosting yoga sessions for children and families with the popular instructor Maryann Quinn. These monthly, themed and super-fun yoga practices will encourage kids to be more present, centered, and active. Kids can practice with a guardian present or the entire family can practice together. Locations within Rockwood structures may vary. Please bring a mat, towel, water & blocks if you use them. $10, $6 NCC resident, $2 Art-Reach Member. Use the “Art-Reach2022” coupon code at checkout to unlock the membership discount – must provide proof of membership at beginning of the tour. All Ages, children must be accompanied by an adult
Sat | December 10 |1 - 2 p.m.
|
|
Pressed Lace Porcelain Ornaments for Kids |
|
Learn how to roll out clay and create texture using lace inlay to produce Three Holiday Ornaments. Because pieces will need to be clear glazed and fired, participants will be notified when pieces are ready to be picked up, typically 1-2 weeks. All supplies provided. $35, $30 NCC residents. Ages 6 - 20.
Sat | December 10 | 4 - 6 p.m.
|
|
Pressed Lace Porcelain Ornaments |
|
Learn how to roll out clay and create texture using lace inlay to produce Three Holiday Ornaments. Because pieces will need to be clear glazed and fired, participants will be notified when pieces are ready to be picked up, typically 1-2 weeks. All supplies plus beer & wine provided. . $35, $30 NCC residents. Ages 21+ only
Sat | December 10 | 6:30 - 8:30 pm
|
|
Participants of all backgrounds and abilities will work in graphite and watercolor inside Rockwood Museum’s famed interior galleries to draw inspiration from the important architectural features, vibrant decorations, views into the astounding gardens, and unforgettable art collections to compose their own watercolor paintings. All experience levels are welcome. $15, $10 NCC residents. Ages 14+
Thur | December 15 | 5 - 6 pm
|
|
Summer Solstice & Happy Hour Yoga |
|
Welcome back the Season’s Light in a relaxing yoga practice inside Rockwood Museum followed by complimentary beer and wine. This is the perfect way to be present for the holidays, to re-set your celestial clock, and to bring the holiday merriment to your Yoga practice. Please bring a mat and/or towel, water & blocks if you use them. $15, $10 NCC website. Ages 21+ only
Thu | December 15 | 5 - 6 pm
|
|
- 11:00am – Sidewalk Chalk & Complimentary Warm Beverages/Snacks-bring your own mug and fill it with tea, coffee, cocoa or cider!
- 12:00pm - Hike (approximately 45 minutes)
Voted Best Walking Trails in Delaware! Ring in the New Year with a 2-mile easy-to-moderate hike along the paved paths ringing Rockwood's historic estate! Guides will lead visitors through mobile stories of Rockwood's architecture, gardens and the unique landscape of northern Delaware. Come early for a warm beverage and family activities.
Dress in layers and wear appropriate footwear (two pairs of socks!). Meet at the Courtyard to the Rockwood Museum entrance and park in any of the Park's three lots. Afterwards, warm up inside the museum with a self-guided tour of the season’s feature exhibition, Lighting the Trees: Rockwood’s Arboretum.
Sun | January 1 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
|
|
Brittle Beauty: Preservation at Rockwood |
|
Nearing Rockwood’s 50th anniversary under the stewardship of New Castle County, we celebrate the preservation efforts that have saved this uncommon estate from destruction. A new rotating exhibition will feature objects from the Rockwood collection, landscapes, architecture, and botanical specimens in various states of conservation. In addition to past accomplishments, the exhibition also charts its future through participation with the Rockwood Park Preservation Society (RPPS), the museum’s membership of support. Included with any self-guided or guided house tour.
Thu | 10 am - 4 pm
Fri | 10 am - 4 pm
Sat | 10 am - 4 pm
Sun | 12 - 4 pm
|
|
Full moons are a powerful time for letting go and getting back to yourself - grounded, relaxed, and at ease. A full moon yoga flow can help you release using movement to unblock energy through the body. Join yoga instructor Maryann Quinn for a relaxing hour of nocturnal yoga that will help to restore peace and tranquility. Practice will take place on the second floor of the Carriage House, Rockwood’s event space. Please bring a mat and/or towel, water and blocks if you use them. $15, $10 NCC residents. Ages 16-Adults
Fri | December 9 | 5:30-6:30 pm - Cold Moon
|
|
Meditation is a thoughtless awareness involving a calm body and quiet mind. There are many approaches to meditation. In these sessions, we will explore some of the many ways to facilitate meditation. Some of what may be covered include Mindfulness Meditation: exploring the senses, Chakra Meditation: points of energy along the spine, Zero Effect Meditation: counting down, and guided imagery: visualization. Open to all levels of experience. Dress comfortably. Bring a mat or blanket, a relatively empty stomach, and an open mind. $10, $8 NCC residents. Ages 14 - adults
Sun | December 11 | 4-5 pm
|
|
|
|
Rockwood Carriage House Rentals |
The Carriage House, nestled among the elegant English-inspired gardens of Rockwood Park, is a unique indoor space with the flexibility to accommodate a small intimate event or a large gathering. The Carriage House offers a unique setting for any private event including:
- Weddings
- Holiday gatherings
- Family reunions
- Birthday and anniversary parties
- Nonprofit events
- Baby/bridal showers
- Corporate functions
|
|
Museum Hours
Thu-Sat, 10 am – 4 pm
Sun, 12 – 4 pm
Park and Gardens
Dawn until dusk
Paved walking trails connect to
The Carriage House at Rockwood Park
Event Venue
Prime Hospitality Group
302-472-2433
|
|
Park & Museum Office Hours
Mon-Sat, 10 am – 4 pm
Sun, 12 – 4 pm
302-761-4340
Holiday Closures
Thu | November 24 | Thanksgiving
Fri | November 25 | Black Friday
Sat |December 24 | Christmas Eve
Sun | December 25 | Christmas Day
Accessibility: Although the west wing of the mansion is wheelchair accessible including accessible restrooms, please note that only a limited portion of the museum is wheelchair accessible. The main museum rooms are only accessible by stairs.
|
|
|
|
County Executive Matthew Meyer
Department of Community Services
Division of Community Resources
4651 Washington Street Extension, North Wilmington
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
