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

History through Fiction Book Club

First Tuesday of every month, March–May, 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 March 1. $20 per member / $30 per non-member for the entire three-month series. Please call 302.888.4600 to register.
 

March 6, 10:00 am–12:00 pm: The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne

April 3, 10:00 am–12:00 pm: Washington Square by Henry James

May 1, 10:00 am–12:00 pm: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald