A series of events beginning on May 23 will kick off the 16th annual Victorian Days in Willimantic on June 6 & 7, 2015. Presented by the Willimantic Victorian Neighborhood Association, visitors will once again take on a trip back in time to experience the beautiful Victorian lifestyle once enjoyed in Willimantic, Connecticut where more than 600 Victorian style homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
On, Saturday, May 23, at 4 pm join local historian Bev York for a guided tour of the Old Willimantic Cemetery on West Main Street to benefit the Windham Textile and History Museum. Discover art and history in this outdoor museum. Call 860-456-2178 for more details or to reserve tickets.
Thursday evening, June 4 there will be a Guided Walking Tour of the historic Willimantic Camp Meeting Association on Route 32.
On Friday, June 5 the public is invited to a free-admission British-style Classic Brass Band Concert at the First Congregational Church, 199 Valley Street.
Saturday evening, June 6 at 7 pm, “Dressing From Corsets to Gloves” presented by Kandie Carl at the Capitol Theater, 896 Main Street, will be an entertaining opportunity to learn intriguing facts about fashion, home life, and etiquette during the Victorian age. Tickets are $10.
On Saturday, June 6 & Sunday, June 7, the Home Tour will open seven Victorian homes/historic sites for guided tours. Tickets $20.00
New this year – “If This House Could Talk,” where homes not open for the Tours will display yard signs relating an historical, architectural, or interesting fact about the home. Other weekend events include tours: Windham Center Cemetery, Windham Mills property, Windham Town Hall, and the Wright’s Pleasant Street Garden. The Windham Textile & History Museum and the Jillson House will also be open. The Northeast Connecticut Railroad Museum will feature train rides at its Museum off Bridge Street. Additionally, visitors will enjoy Concerts, Museum Exhibits, Art Shows, Architectural slide show, vintage cars, and horse and wagon rides. The always-delightful Victorian Teas will be held on Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 am, 1:00 and 2:30 pm. Tickets are $15.00 and reservations are a must. Call 860-428-7573 for tea reservations or to receive a brochure and full details of Home Tour events. Also visit www.victorianwillimantic.org