Classes, Workshops, Demonstrations, and More...

Experience a variety of entertaining and educational programs, from classes and hands-on workshops to demonstrations and tastings. See program details below. Some events require advance registration. Interested in spending time in our garden? Learn about garden programs here.

Winterthur Institute

2012 Session
September 30–October 12, 2012
Application Deadline: August 31, 2012
Wintherthur Institute Application Form
 
Escape into the world of decorative arts from the 17th through the early 20th centuries. This intensive course offers an in-depth, two-week study of domestic furnishings made or used in America. Designed to appeal to individuals interested in American decorative arts, content for the course centers on the Winterthur collection, the world's largest assemblage of decorative arts made or used in America between 1640 and 1860.  

The course includes an orientation to Winterthur and an introduction to the principles of connoisseurship. Students also utilize resources in the Winterthur Library facilities. The program also includes field trips to local historic sites.

Sessions take place in classrooms, period rooms, and the exhibition areas of Winterthur. Classes are held five days a week from approximately 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Each day begins with lectures by Winterthur staff and/or guest speakers. Most afternoon programs are conducted in museum period rooms or with artifacts in classrooms. Guide specialists lead groups of five in "room studies." Workshops are small to allow close examination of the objects.

During the program, participants may take special-subject house tours that allow more in-depth study of particular styles and media. Participants will also have the opportunity to undertake small research projects while attending Winterthur Institute.

By application only. Call 302.888.4786 for more information.
Wintherthur Institute Application Form

Crafternoons

Second Friday of each month; September through December, 2012; 1:00–3:00 pm

Reconnect with your creative side! Get inspired during quick show-and-tell sessions about objects in our museum and library collections, then create a simple project to take home and admire. This new program will feature a different craft each month.  Stay a little later and take the wine tour at 3:30. Members only. $10 per person, per session. Registration is required. Please call 800.448.3883 or 888.4600 to register.

September 14: Basic embroidery
October 12: Scherenschnitte (Pennsylvania-German cut-paper)
November 9: Reverse painting on glass
December 14: Christmas cards

History through Fiction Book Club

First Tuesday of every month, October through December, 2012; 10:00 am–12:00 pm

How has historical fiction shaped our perceptions of the periods it portrays? How do the objects from those periods support or contradict those perceptions? How do objects enhance our understanding of nonfiction works? During this three-month series, we will discuss classic and new works that illuminate American life in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries and examine relevant objects from the Winterthur collection. Registration is required by September 21. $20 per member / $30 per non-member for the entire three-month series. Please call 302.888.4600 to register.
 

October 2: Back Bay by William Martin.
(This book is a little longer than the others we will read, but you will have a head start!)

November 6: In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Phillbrick
(A brief departure into the world of non-fiction.)

December 4: The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston
(A charming book!)