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HILLWOOD HONORS VETERANS DAY
In a nod to founder Marjorie Merriweather Post's gracious tradition, Hillwood honors all who serve the United States with a day of relaxation, edification, and enjoyment
WASHINGTON — Bringing back a familiar tradition, Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens invites soldiers, veterans and their families to immerse themselves in the beauty and enjoyment of Hillwood on Sunday, November 9 from 1 to 5 pm, in honor of Veterans Day. For this day of relaxation in the gardens, informative gallery talks, a family art activity, and more—all in the style of founder Marjorie Merriweather Post—there is no suggested donation for active duty personnel, military retirees, veterans, reservists, members of the National Guard and Coast Guard, or their families.
A History of Veterans and Marjorie Merriweather Post
At the age of 30, Post began what became a 50-year commitment to providing assistance to American soldiers and veterans of war. She used her influence and resources as an heiress, businesswoman, and society hostess to provide wartime support of American military personnel. During World War I, Post was active with the Red Cross, rolling bandages and hosting fundraising luncheons. She also personally financed a Red Cross hospital in France. For her efforts, she received the Cross of a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor. In World War II, Post loaned her yacht, the Sea Cloud, to the Coast Guard where it was refitted as a cutter and used as a weather ship. She also organized fundraisers for Belgian and Russian relief efforts, served as a director of the National War Fund, hosted teas for the American Red Cross, and worked for Army-Navy Relief.
Post's support of veterans and military personnel was not limited to financial contributions. During World War II, she invited patients from Bethesda Naval Hospital to her home for a luncheon and tour of her Russian collections. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Hillwood was opened to Vietnam veterans, including wounded Marines and Navy corpsmen from Bethesda Naval Hospital and patients from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, for tea on the Lunar Lawn and live entertainment, allowing them an afternoon of leisurely enjoyment.
Honoring Veterans Today
This year, Hillwood recreates Post's gracious tradition by honoring those who serve with a day of relaxation and family enjoyment. The Lunar Lawn will ring of the day in 1967 when flamenco dancers captivated a group of Vietnam veterans, when Ziva's Spanish Dance Ensemble brings a colorful mix to Hillwood. In a rare opportunity, guests are welcome to take a few strokes on the putting green, as Post's guests once did, and learn more about it when gardener Marshall Paquin discusses the history, design, and care of the green. All members of the family will enjoy stepping into Fabergé's Workshop to create a decorative picture frame in the style of Fabergé. Post's remarkable interest in the military, seen in both her Russian art collections, which encompass historic medals, insignia, orders, and imperial regalia, and her impassioned dedication to American soldiers, are brought to life in gallery talks by Hillwood curators. Of course, no day of entertaining, "Post-style," would be complete without refreshments, which will be served in the Visitor Center.
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Information
Reservations required.
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When:
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Sunday, November 9
1 to 5 pm
Activities throughout the day
Flamenco Dance Performances at 2 and 3:30 pm
Refreshments from 2:30 to 3:30 pm
Café open from 1 to 4 pm
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Suggested Donation:
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No suggested donation for active-duty personnel, retirees, veterans, reservists, members of the National Guard and Coast Guard, and their families.
All others: $12, $10 seniors, $7 college students, $5 children age 6 to 18, no suggested donation for visitors under age 6.
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Hours:
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Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. Closed Mondays and most national holidays. Programming and events on selected Sundays.
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Contact:
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Call (202) 686-5807 for information and reservations or visit www.HillwoodMuseum.org for more information
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Where:
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Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Metro: VanNess/UDC, Red Line (20 minute walk)
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Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens is Washington, DC's most gracious cultural attraction. The grand mansion, breathtaking gardens, exquisite art collection, engaging programming, and delightful café offer something special for every season. Here alone, Marjorie Merriweather Post's spectacular estate and gardens, as well as one of the finest Russian art collections in the world, offer each visitor the opportunity to be immersed in a tranquil world of beauty. An engaging and welcoming respite from one's daily life located right in the city's own backyard, Hillwood is a true treasure for all who experience it.
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