Page 3 – Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

John Lewis Krimmel’s Christmas Sketches

By Tyler Johnson, Winterthur’s Assistant Manager of Estate Tour Programs

The Winterthur Library is home to more than a million objects, books, and ephemera. Contained within this vast treasure trove are seven sketchbooks in watercolor, pencil, and pen and ink kept by German-born genre artist John Lewis Krimmel (1786–1821). The son of a confectioner in Württemberg, Krimmel emigrated to the United States in 1809 and began painting portraits, street scenes, and miniatures.

Krimmel’s paintings and sketchbooks are filled with his observations of daily American life and have been used in many interpretations across the museum’s history. Winterthur owns three of his paintings, The Quilting Frolic, Self-Portrait of John Lewis Krimmel with Susannah Krimmel and Her Children, and Election Day in Philadelphia. These works could each have their own blog post as they inspire many conversation points and discussion topics.

Special to the Yuletide season, one of Krimmel’s sketchbooks contains some of the earliest known depictions of Christmas trees in American art. His two Christmas Eve watercolor sketches show a multi-generational family gathered around tabletop trees (two trees in the first sketch, one in the second). Drawn between 1812 and 1820, they feature broadleaf evergreens, perhaps holly bushes, decorated with springerle cookies. The table holds plates filled with cookies and paper cornucopias stuffed with tiny treats which were left for the children by the Belsnickel, a Germanic gift giver, as their Christmas gifts.

John Lewis Krimmel, *Sketchbook 2,* 1812–13. Watercolor, pencil, and pen-and-ink drawings. Winterthur Library 308 59×5.7, ll. 7, 8
Krimmel’s first of two sketches, more symmetrical in nature.

Until the mid-1800s, Christmas trees in America were usually placed on tabletops. As in Krimmel’s sketches, the edible ornaments doubled as gifts, making the tree a one-day wonder. The trees were decorated in secret to surprise the children, who immediately devoured the goodies when they spotted them on Christmas Eve. Around the time of the American Civil War, people started combining gifts on the Christmas tree with purely decorative ornaments, heralding its transformation into an icon of the season.

Krimmel’s two Christmas Eve sketches are similar in scope but have some variations, especially with the young child and dog interactions. The first sketch features two small Christmas trees flanking a tiny house, while the second features one larger, taller tree, with many of the family members positioned differently. Each shows Krimmel’s penchant for capturing a special moment in time.

There are many early holiday traditions, and for people of Pennsylvania German descent, John Lewis Krimmel’s sketches display a staple of their holiday practices—a tabletop tree decorated with ornaments made of traditional sweets for an edible extravaganza. And family members of all ages enjoying the season and each other’s company in a delightfully festive setting.

John Lewis Krimmel, *Sketchbook 2,* 1812–13. Watercolor, pencil, and pen-and-ink drawings. Winterthur Library 308 59×5.7, ll. 7, 8
More complete than the previous sketch, with some characters repositioned. The dog claiming a treat from the child is a top-notch detail; my dog is jealous when I eat cookies too.

For more information about John Lewis Krimmel, look for the book John Lewis Krimmel: Genre Artist of the Early Republic by Dr. Annelise Harding.

At Home At Winterthur

Opening May 23, 2026

Discover the many lives of Winterthur and explore the estate as a place of home, community, and inspiration. From a country landscape that supported hunting, gathering, and farming to its evolution into a renowned museum, garden, library, and center for conservation and academic study, Winterthur has been shaped by the people who called it home and work and by the community of visitors and friends who have come to experience its beauty. Through personal stories, rarely seen objects, and rich historical context, At Home at Winterthur invites you to reflect on what it means to create a place, to belong to a place, and to share in its legacy.

Challenging Masterpieces: Art and Identity in American Furniture

Opening September 26, 2026

In 2026, Winterthur Museum will celebrate its 75th anniversary—and America’s 250th—with a bold and beautiful exhibition showcasing more than 70 standout pieces from the collection, each chosen for its exceptional craftsmanship, inventive design, or use of rare or unexpected materials.

But this isn’t just about admiring fine furniture. It’s about rethinking what makes something a “masterpiece.” Through immersive displays and up-close looks at construction details, the exhibition invites you to explore deeper questions: Who gets to decide what’s considered great design? Whose stories have been left out? And is the term “masterpiece” still appropriate today?

Whether you’re drawn to the artistry of a hand-carved leg, the cleverness of a hidden drawer, or the cultural stories behind a chair’s design, Challenging Masterpieces offers a fresh perspective that celebrates creativity, identity, and the evolving legacy of American furniture—designed to spark curiosity and conversation.

A Wonderful, Whimsical Gingerbread Train Station

By Evelyn Mason

The scent catches you first. It’s rich and velvety, full of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses. Then, as you walk from the Galleries Reception Area into the Montgomery Room, you catch sight of it—a panorama of gingerbread trees, a train station, a train, and more, all in brown and white and vibrant red and green. This year’s gingerbread “house” is the historic train station at Winterthur.*

*Photo by Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library*

“Winterthur is full of stories—and each year I get to create a new one,” said Diana Anello, who made the gingerbread display for Yuletide. She headed up a team of six from Bredenbeck’s Bakery & Ice Cream Parlor, who spent more than 100 hours mixing, baking, and decorating the massive gingerbread creation. Made with 18 pounds of butter and 62 pounds of sugar, the finished creation, including a special support board, weighs almost 200 pounds. For the fourth year in a row, the bakery has collaborated with Winterthur to create a custom creation inspired by the estate.

Anello loves the fun as well as the challenge and frustration of trying to outdo herself each year. She started in early July, planning the design and figuring out the logistics. The display includes overpasses, plus extra lights powered by battery packs, hidden under the coal in a train and under a rock candy “puddle.” Some of the trees were made using snowflake cookie cutters and tilted on their sides, and others, across the display, are frosted in deep or bright green, flecked with white sprinkles. Snowflakes are scattered throughout.

Making a train from gingerbread was a first for Anello. She incorporated the Polar Express and added the W from the Winterthur logo to a train car, filling it with confectionery milk bottles and crates as a link back to Winterthur’s history as an award-winning dairy farm.

In one corner of the display, she crafted an illusion of an open book cover. Peering through, you can view the scene in a glance, like “a book that was opening up with the story coming out of it,” said Anello. “You’ll get my first impression of when we came to look at the railroad station.”

She wanted to create little moments and pay homage to the gingerbread houses of previous years, so there are elements from each. When you come to see it, look for seven hidden fairies with golden wings (Enchanted Woods), a vintage car (the mansion), and milk containers (dairy barn complex).

“I want to inspire other people to create gingerbread houses,” said Diana Anello. Come during Yuletide and see her wonderful, whimsical creation. You just might be inspired to craft a gingerbread display of your own.

*The Winterthur train station, situated at the back of the property near Route 100, served as a stop on the Wilmington and Northern Railroad and as Winterthur’s post office from 1900 to 1967. While freight trains still traverse Winterthur’s rails, they no longer stop at the station, which is now a private home for a Winterthur employee.

In Good Taste: Winterthur’s Signature Seasonal Cocktails

Recipes by our talented partners at Restaurant Associates.

Sip into the season with one of Winterthur’s signature seasonal cocktails—Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate, Chambord and Prosecco, or our cheerful Mistletoe Kiss.

Whether you treat yourself while strolling the Holiday Market or indulge from the comfort of home, each sip is an invitation to celebrate, slow down, and toast to the flavors, moments, and beauty that make this season so special.

Peanut Butter Cup Hot Chocolate

A cozy, indulgent mug of velvety chocolate infused with peanut-butter whiskey and crowned with whipped cream — holiday comfort in every sip.

Ingredients

6 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips
2 cups of milk
1½ ounces peanut butter whiskey
Whipped cream for garnish

Instructions

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler.
Heat the milk in a saucepan over low heat.
Add the chocolate to the warmed milk.
Stir until completely mixed.
Warm a mug, then carefully pour hot chocolate into the warmed glass.
Mix the hot chocolate and peanut butter whiskey.
Garnish with the whipped cream. Serve and enjoy!

Chambord and Prosecco

A sparkling, rosy-hued toast: red raspberry liqueur sweetened with agave, topped with crisp, effervescent prosecco.

Ingredients

1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger raspberry-flavored liqueur (such as Chambord)
1 ½ fluid ounces agave nectar
4 fluid ounces champagne, or as needed

Instructions

Stir raspberry-flavored liqueur and agave nectar together in a tall, thin-sided glass using a spoon.
Tilt the glass at an angle and pour in champagne. Serve and enjoy!

Mistletoe Kiss

A bright and elegant blend of citrus vodka, elderflower, and white cranberry, garnished with sugar-dusted cranberries — light, festive, and perfectly romantic.

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces citrus vodka
1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur
1 ounce white cranberry juice
1/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 cranberries, for garnish
1/2 tablespoon white granulated sugar, for garnish

Instructions

Skewer 3 cranberries and dust them with 1/2 tablespoon white granulated sugar. Gently tap off any excess sugar and set aside.
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour 1 1/2 ounces citrus vodka, 1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur, 1 ounce white cranberry, and 1/4 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice. Shake well.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with the cranberry skewer. Serve and enjoy!

Experience Yuletide at Winterthur

November 22, 2025–January 4, 2026

Step into a storybook setting, where holiday magic, rich history, and beloved literature come to life. The Yuletide Tour features artful displays and beautifully adorned trees throughout the historic home, celebrating timeless tales such as A Christmas Carol, Alice in Wonderland, A Visit from St. Nicholas, and more. Whimsical treasures like a grand gingerbread replica of the train station, a magical dollhouse, and a toy train display add to the fun. Plus, join us for evening hours on select Fridays and Saturdays for candlelit tours, live music, cozy firepits, workshops, specialty cocktails, and seasonal fare in the café.

Learn more and plan your visit today!

Protected: Planned Giving – !! Alan SECOND TEST

Planned Giving

Through a planned gift, you will align your legacy with Winterthur—an institution originally established through the legacy commitment of H. F. du Pont. Planned gifts support Winterthur’s sustainable future while helping you meet your estate-planning goals. Including Winterthur in your plans ensures that the irreplaceable treasures found here—in the galleries, gardens, and library—will endure for generations to come.

Crafting Your Legacy Plan at Winterthur

Beneficiary and Trust Gifts

Planned gifts commonly include naming Winterthur as a beneficiary in your will or trust. You may choose to support Winterthur’s general operations or name an area of special interest. Bequests of any amount may be adjusted at your discretion.

When drafting or amending your existing will or trust, you may arrange for Winterthur to receive:

A specific dollar amount
Assets, including securities or mutual funds
A residuary bequest—a portion of what remains after other beneficiaries are provided for

Retirement Plan Gifts

Winterthur may be named as a beneficiary of your retirement accounts, which can also be beneficial to your estate for tax purposes.

We always encourage donors to consult with your estate planning and financial teams to identify the giving solution that is best for you.

Please include:

Legal Name: The Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, Inc.

Tax ID (EIN) Number: 51-0066038

Address: 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735

Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)

Donors aged 70½ or older may make a gift to Winterthur directly from your IRA (up to a maximum of $108,000) without incurring income taxes on the distribution. This type of gift is considered a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) and can be a giving method that supports Winterthur’s mission while also providing tax benefits.

We always encourage donors to consult with your financial advisors to review your specific taxable situation.

Confirmation of Your Legacy Gift

If you choose to align your legacy with Winterthur, we ask that you please complete a Confirmation of your Legacy Gift form. This form serves to inform Winterthur of your generous intentions and ensures that your gift’s intentions are honored and upheld.

Bequest Designation: Sample Language

You may refer to the language below as an example of how you may phrase a bequest in your will or trust:

Sample Language for Bequest

I give [dollar, percentage, or asset list] to The Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, Inc., Tax ID # 51-0066038, a nonprofit organization located at 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735, for its general use and purpose/ other purpose.

Sample Language for Residuary Bequest

I give to The Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum, Inc.(Tax ID # 51-0066038), a nonprofit organization located at 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735, the remainder of my estate/ ____ % of the remainder of my estate for its general use and purpose/ other purpose.

Port Royal Society

The Port Royal Society recognizes donors who have aligned their legacies to the mission and vision of Winterthur through a planned gift commitment. Port Royal Society members enjoy private events, behind-the-scenes access, and boutique programming designed to cultivate community and pique curiosity. Learn more about the Society’s benefits, events, and recognition opportunities.

For more information, please contact the Development Office at 302.888.4707 or plannedgiving@winterthur.org.

Share Your Plans with Winterthur

Are you planning to include Winterthur in your estate plans, or would you like to discuss giving in more detail? Please complete the fields below to arrange a conversation with a member of our Development team.

A Mi’kmaq Quillwork Chair

By Tyler Horne, Tour Programming Assistant at Winterthur

In honor of Indigenous Peoples Month, Winterthur is highlighting a remarkable side chair that tells a story of artistry, adaptation, and cultural exchange. The chair was made by Mi’kmaq artists in what is now Nova Scotia or northern Maine, sometime between 1850 and 1900. It features a seat and back covered in dyed porcupine quills that were carefully punched through birch bark to form bright geometric patterns. These kinds of quilled objects were often created for the tourist market, which means the chair also reflects how Indigenous makers navigated new economic realities during a time of colonial expansion.

Mi’kmaq (probable maker), side chair, Nova Scotia, Canada, 1860–1910. Wood, textile, metal, porcupine quill, and quillwork. Museum purchase with funds provided by Winterthur Founder’s Circle 2025.0014

Quillwork boxes in the collection are already a visitor favorite. People are drawn to their color, texture, and the way the artisans turned natural materials into art with real presence. This new chair joins those five boxes but stands apart as the only piece of furniture decorated with quillwork at Winterthur.

Quillwork is one of the oldest Indigenous art forms in northeastern North America and has long been practiced and passed down, primarily by women. While Mi’kmaq women made quilled souvenirs for Canadian and American markets in the 19th and early 20th centuries, chairs like this were never produced in large numbers, which makes this one particularly rare.

There is still much we don’t know about the specific makers of the chair and the quillwork itself. Even so, the piece offers a powerful window into how Indigenous artists have shaped American material culture. It reminds us that Indigenous communities did not simply endure colonial pressure. They adapted and created work that continues to inspire admiration today.

2025 Yuletide Gift Guide

‘Tis the season of giving, and we believe that gifts should feel as timeless as the moments they celebrate. We’ve gathered a selection of treasures that invite joy, wonder, and a touch of elegance into every home. Whether it’s a delicate accessory, a thoughtful keepsake, or a playful surprise for the little ones, each piece is chosen with care to inspire and delight. Let the art of giving unfold in the simplest, most meaningful way this holiday season.

Visit the Museum Store Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm, with extended evening hours during Holiday Nights.

Gifts for the Nature Lover

Cultivate joy with good-natured gifts for the green thumb in your life. Whether they’re an avid gardener, bird-watching aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the outdoors, these items promise practicality while adding a touch of whimsy to any endeavor.

1. Faux Sedum Berry Branch, $13 2. Book Ornament, $6 3. Embroidered Chambray Tree Ornament, $8 4. Glitter Glass Mushroom Ornament, $5 5. Handheld Bulb Planter, $33 6. The Seasonal Gardener: Creative Planting Combinations by Anna Pavord, $49.95 7. My Garden Botanical Plaster Relief, $150 8. The Garden Book by Phaidon Editors, $59.95 9. Jacquard & Velvet Mushroom Clip Ornament, $8 10. Seed Collecting Kit, &32 11. Everyday Garden Gloves, $33 12. Jardinère 2026 Desk Calendar, $20 13. Floral Ceramic Travel Mug, $28 14. Large Gathering Basket, $95 15. Driftwood Bee Skep Ornament, $20 16. Handheld Cultivator, $24 17. Glass Beaded Cotton Ornament, $8 18. Cotton & Velvet Embroidered Tree Ornament, $8

Gifts for the Design Enthusiast

Transform any space into a sanctuary of style with our collection of decorative accents and luxurious home essentials. From statement-making artisanal pieces to cozy blankets, we have everything the design enthusiast needs to elevate their home. Our carefully curated selection of books offers inspiration and expert advice for every decorator.

1. Hand-poured Beeswax Partridge Candle in Terracotta $39 2. Book of Herbs Green Check Enameled Tray $30 3. Hand Carved Wood Heart $6 4. Hand Carved Mango Wood Finial $28 5. Horse Head Bookends, Set of 2 $100 6. Handmade Green Resin Bobbin Box $40 7. Faux Bone Magnifying Glass $34 8. Interiors for Collectors by John Phifer Marrs $50 9. The Well Loved House by Ashley Whittaker $50 10. Woven Wool Blend Plaid Pillow $35 11. Madison 100% Baby Alpaca Wool Throw $362 12. Paperweight Magnifying Glass $16 13. A Christmas Carol Journal $18 14. Hand Painted Stoneware Mug $10 15. Marbled Enameled Tray $20 16. Brass Candle Snuffer, Part of 3pc CandleCare Set $57 17. Rattan Tray, Nesting Set of 2 $180

Gifts for the Host

Elevate every occasion with our distinctive selection of barware and entertaining essentials. From exquisite crystal and porcelain drinkware to stylish bar cart necessities, these beautifully crafted pieces are perfect for the aspiring mixologist. Whether they’re hosting intimate gatherings or grand festive soirées, these personal touches will delight the host and their guests alike!

1. Bunny Handmade Crystal Champagne Flute $295 2. Imperial Blue Porcelain Teacup & Saucer $206 3. Lillian Handmade Crystal Champagne Flute $70 4. Corinne Handmade Crystal Double Old Fashioned Tumbler $55 5. Venetia Handmade Crystal Martini Glass $210 6. Pewter Grape Cluster Champagne Bucket $600 7. Classic Ships Handmade Crystal Decanter $210 8. Set of 24 Ivory Taper Candles $20 9. Brass Tone Candle Holder, 4 in. $10 10. Brass Tone Candle Holder, 3 in. $8 11. Antler Appetizer Picks Set $32 12. Pewter Salt & Pepper Cellar with Spoons $156 13. Blue Italian Porcelain Tray with Handle $43 14. Pewter Ram Stirrup Cup $98 15. Horse Bottle Stopper $16 16. Amalfi White Tablecloth, 65 in. x 65 in. $125

Gifts for Her

From elegant jewelry to elevated home accents, these carefully curated gifts are designed to delight the woman who appreciates life’s finer details. Find delicate accessories, heirloom-worthy keepsakes, and graceful décor pieces that blend classic charm with modern luxury.

1. Royal Extract Bath Salt in Petite Decanter, $88 2. Silk Velvet Infinity Scarf in Pine, $85 3. Royal Extract Iconic Body Cream, $92.50 4. Velvet Tassel Pouch, $8 5. Exclusive Winterthur Garden Spout Pearl Drop Brooch/Pendant Necklace, $198 6. Solitaire Sculpted Bronze & Pearl Ring, $450 7. Sculpted Bronze Dove Ring, $225 8. Ashford Crystal Ringminder, $25 9. Exclusive Winterthur Cottage Lock Plate Ring, $180 10. Glazed Stoneware Trivets, $6 11. Exclusive Winterthur Cottage Lock Plate Necklace, $288 12. Delta Sculpted Bronze and Cubic Zirconia Ring, $295 13. Strawberry Thief Bone China Bauble in Madder, $20 14. Gold Bamboo Tray, $70 15. Gold and White Berry Garland, $35

Gifts for Him

Among our favorite gifts are distinguished treasures for the modern gentleman. From refined sartorial accessories to quality personal items, this collection embodies sophistication and heritage. Each piece tells a story of enduring style and impeccable taste.

1. Cast Iron Mini Car, $18 2. Mars 100% Merino Wool Scarf, $220 3. Embroidered Fox Ornament, $24 4. Ultimate Book of Card Games: The Comprehensive Guide, $26.95 5. Feather Magnifying Glass, $25 6. Locally Made Hand Turned Wood Finial Ornament, $40 7. Squirrel Glass Paperweight, $16 8. Winterthur Exclusive Walnut Fountain Pen, $540 9. A History of Golf Coaster Set, $23 10. Vintage Car 3D Wooden Puzzle, $28 11. Woodsman Ornament, $6 12. Brass Fox Letter Opener, $18 13. Cobalt & Gold Florentine Wood Tray, $166 14. Gold and White Berry Garland, $35

Gifts for Kids

Presents that are playful and nurture their growth and creativity? Priceless. Spark imaginations with our enchanting collection of toys and games. From puzzles and interactive playthings to art supplies and storybooks, each gift is crafted to inspire wonder.

1. Large Holiday Tin Box $22 2. Felt Village Ornament $12 3. Nutcracker Push Puppet $10 4. Little Beetles Memory & Matching Game $16 5. Lionel the Rabbit Plush Toy $34 6. Nutcracker Blocks (6 pc. Set) $35 7. Hand-Painted Paper Mâché Ornament $5 8. Hand-Painted Wooden Tree Ornament $5 9. Santa Christmas Tree Bowling Set $30 10. Striped Paper Mâché Ornament with Tassel $6 11. Holiday Train $8 12. Felt Garland $14

Gift of Membership

Give the gift of memories with a Winterthur Membership today! With a variety of programs and events all year round, a Winterthur gift membership is more than just a gift—it’s a year of experiences. With something for everyone, your loved one will enjoy the opportunity to stroll the garden, explore the mansion, or wander in the galleries. A calendar full of opportunities offers something for everyone from fun family programs to hands-on workshops, specialty tours, and more. Make your holiday shopping a little bit easier by sharing the joys of Winterthur with a gift membership today!

Purchase a Winterthur e-gift certificate or Gift of Membership online and let their fancy take flight in our museum, garden, and library. Gift cards to the Museum Store can be purchased on-site.

Market Vendors

Each year Winterthur presents two fabulous events that showcase handmade crafts by talented regional artisans.

Our Artisan Market in July is a summertime highlight across the garden and estate, and Holiday Market in November is the kick-off event for our annual beloved Yuletide celebration. Both draw thousands to the beautiful setting of our garden and estate in the Brandywine Valley.

We invite you to apply to be part of one or both traditions.

Signature events at Winterthur are rooted in our rich heritage, legacy, and mission. These two events connect you with an appreciative and enthusiastic audience as you present your wares across a variety of disciplines including art, textiles, ceramics, glass, woodworking, antiques, and gardening as well as artisanal and small-batch gourmet goods. Each of these categories reflect the museum’s own collection and/or history.

All interested artisans will submit a vendor application for consideration. Each show has its own deadline. Information, locations, and requirements vary. Click below for details and applications. Please review all information before applying.

Apply to Artisan Market

Applications for 2026 are currently closed. Acceptances sent by April 1.

Learn More.

Apply to Holiday Market

Applications open in July 2026, and are due in early September. Acceptances sent by mid-September.

Learn More.