Romance and Relaxation
Feb. 10, 2013
Tour at 6 p.m.; class at 7 p.m.
$15, $13 for MHS members, 18 and older
Reservations recommended, call 651-297-2555

Begin Valentine's Day week the right way! Join the Minnesota Historical Society at the James J. Hill House for an evening of romantic history and relaxation. Come along on a romance-themed tour of St. Paul's premiere Gildeded Age mansion at 6 p.m., followed by a "loving kindness meditation" class at 7 p.m.

The 6 p.m. tour will focus on the history of romance and courtship at the Hill House, from James J. and Mary T. Hill's long marriage to the weddings of four daughters and the turbulent courtships of the Hill House servants.

The hour-long relaxation session will begin with deep breathing, followed by muscle relaxation exercises, guided imagery and meditation, highlighting modern-day relaxation techniques.

Reservations are recommended for this adults-only event and can be made by calling 651-297-2555.

Victorian Poetry Slam
Feb. 13, 2013
7 p.m.
$12 for adults, $10 seniors, college students and MHS members, $8 children ages 6 to 17
Reservations recommended, call 651-297-2555

This Valentine's Week event at the Hill House is all about the poetry and prose of the 19th century. Celebrate Valentine's Day the old fashioned way while enjoying classic works by Dickinson, Poe, Longfellow, Browning and more, covering a range of topics including love, romance, temperance, sports, war and even a few about James J. Hill himself.

Poems will be read by actors Craig Johnson, Laura Salveson and Ann Daly, dressed to impress in the evening fashions of the 1890's. Audience members are encouraged to participate in the bookish ball by bringing a short Victorian poem to read aloud. The hour long program will be followed by light refreshments and tours of the Hill House.

Teddy Bear Story Time
Feb. 19, 2013
10:30 a.m.
$6; $2 discount for MHS members
Reservations recommended, call 651-297-2555

In celebration of President's Day, young visitors are invited to bring their teddy bears to the Hill House for this interactive tour and teddy bear story time. The teddy bear is named after Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, and one of the several presidents Mr. and Mrs. Hill knew personally and visited.

This one-hour tour is designed for pre-school through first grade children accompanied by an adult.

About the James J. Hill House

Completed in 1891, the Gilded Age mansion was the residence of James J. Hill, builder of the Great Northern Railway, and his family. The home is located one-half block west of the Cathedral of St. Paul at 240 Summit Avenue. It is open for regular tours year-round, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Sundays. Reservations are recommended. For more information, call 651-297-2555.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Society’s calendar of events is posted online at www.mnhs.org/calendar. The website also has information about all of the Society’s programs, museums and historic sites.

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. The Society collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, the Society preserves our past, shares our state’s stories and connects people with history.

The Minnesota Historical Society is supported in part by its Premier Partners: Xcel Energy and Explore Minnesota Tourism.