Children's Programs

Children ages 7 to 11 can celebrate their birthdays, have a scout event or host a private party at this special Victorian mansion house. During the 2-hour event, children enjoy a “kid-style” tour of the house, drink lemonade and participate in their choice of the following programs:

• Victorian Dress-up: Try on bustles, corsets and petticoats along with old-fashioned clothes over your clothes to see how fashion has changed.
• Historic Cookery: Bake cookies on our wood stove and see how the Ramsey's kitchen is different from modern kitchens.
• Manners Salon: Play “Manners in a Hat” and listen to your “governess” tell you about table manners for the Victorians and today. Make a calling card and learn how to make proper introductions. (Designed for children 9 – 13, ask about our special workshop for children 7 –9.)
• Victorian Parlor Games: Indoors or out, enjoy old-style fun with all sorts of games that were popular in the nineteenth century.

Availability

Parties can be scheduled January through October. Ramsey House parties are usually scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to noon or 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Reservations

Phone: 651-296-8760.

Event reservations should be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance. Reservations require nonrefundable prepayment, and are not considered confirmed until payment is received.

Have this information ready:

• Estimate of the number of adults, boys and girls attending. (We recommend a maximum of 12 total attendees.)
• Children's ages
• Choice of activity
• Will there be food and gifts?

Food and Gifts

You are welcome to bring food (such as birthday cake) and/or gifts. The Ramsey House provides paper plates, forks, spoons, and napkins. We serve our lemonade in punch cups. Food and gifts must be completed during the party's two hour allotted time.

Large Groups

We recommend a maximum size of 12 total attendees, including adults and children. Ask about Special Arrangements for larger groups.

Help Preserve the Ramsey House

Cameras and videos are permitted only in the kitchen and the carriage house activity room. Weather permitting, the front porch is frequently used for refreshments and photography is permitted there as well.

Scouts

Please tell us at the time of your reservation that your group intends to earn a badge, such as the "Listening to the Past" badge for Brownies.

Pre-visit Activities

• Video about the Ramsey family and house can be sent out.
• Pre-visit Activity Book (PDF) available online

Costs

• $110 for a Victorian dress-up party
• $120 for a Victorian cookery party
• $100 for a Manners Salon party
• $100 for a Victorian Parlor Games party
• $10 discount for Minnesota Historical Society members.

Suggestions

• Victorian Dress-up: Children try on clothes over their own clothes. If possible, children should not wear bulky clothing or shoes that are difficult to slip off and on.
• Victorian Cooking: Casual clothing is recommended for this program. It can get hot using the wood stove in the kitchen.
• Manners Salon: Casual clothing is fine for this program. Some children like to dress up in their own fancy clothes which is fine for this party.
• Victorian Parlor Games: Casual clothing and tie-on shoes are recommended for this program. It is a very active party.