Findings from The Museum Store

Before Mother’s Day was established as an official American holiday in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson, it was celebrated in many different ways beginning in the pre-civil war era. Some of its evolution stemmed from clubs held for young mothers to help teach them about childcare and development. Another early precursor was held by Ann Reeves Jarvis in 1868. A “Mother’s Friendship Day” was organized for mothers to meet with veterans of both the union and confederate armies after the civil war to promote reconciliation after the long and bitter conflict. While already observed in Europe, Jarvis’s daughter Anna continued to champion her mother’s cause and was able to establish the first national Mother’s Day celebration in 1908 in West Virginia and by 1912 it was being observed across the country. Jarvis imagined a day that would pay homage to the sacrifices made by a mother for her children and envisioned a day of private celebration spent by mothers and their families.

The staff at Hildene can’t think of another time in recent history when those sacrifices have been more obvious. As the history of Mother’s Day has changed, so too has life in Vermont; evolving drastically since the arrival of Covid-19. Hildene has temporarily closed its gates to guests, schools and daycares have suspended in-person instruction, and life has become uncertain. Mothers on the other hand, are still the glue holding us together. Whether still going to work or working from home, while tending to homeschooling and garden plots, they persevere. Even our Nubian Goats are busy mothering their new arrivals in the dairy despite all else.

While we can’t invite you to enjoy a respite from the world on the grounds of Hildene just yet, we are working to find new ways of doing business. Hildene welcomes the opportunity to help honor the mom in your life this weekend, or anyone who needs a taste of the familiar during the challenging days ahead. Thanks to the slowly lifting restrictions, The Museum Store at Hildene will be opening for limited Curbside Service Pick-up two days a week, beginning Friday May 8th and Saturday May 9th, 10-2pm. The Museum Store is fully stocked with our signature assortment of Estate Products, Books, Games, Gifts, and Gourmet Treats. Please email all orders and inquiries to our store manager Meghan at themuseumstore@hildene.org; she will be happy to assist with your selections and will give you a phone call confirmation.

Members, as always, will receive 10% off their purchase. Most Hildene Memberships will be expiring on May 31st, so now is a great time to renew, or give a membership as a gift (scroll down for links).
 

We appreciate your support, and that of mothers everywhere!