The Gilded Age in United States history ran from the 1870s to about 1900. It reflected an era of unprecedented economic growth and rapid industrialization, led in part by the expansion of the railroads. Explore the lives of the wealthy, including James J. Hill and the servants who worked for him, with the many different programs this holiday season at the James J. Hill House.

Holiday programs are popular and can sell out. Advance ticket purchase is recommended and can be made by calling the MNHS ticket line at 651-259-3015 or by purchasing tickets online.

• Hill House Holidays
  Dates: Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21, 2014
  Time: 1 to 3:30, tours begin every 30 minutes
  Fee: $12 adults, $10 seniors and students, $8 children ages 6-17; $2 discount for MNHS members.
  Reservations: required, call 651-259-3015 or register online.
  
  This popular holiday program returns for the first three weekends in December. The bustle and excitement of a Gilded Age Christmas is brought to life as costumed actors portray servants preparing the James J. Hill House for the holidays. The one-hour performance moves through the elegant first floor spaces and then to the basement servant work areas. The script is based on letters and oral histories of people who worked for the Hill family during the first decade of the 20th century.
   
• The World War One Christmas Truce of 1914
  Dates: Dec. 8, 2014
  Time: 7:30 p.m.
  Fee: $9 adults, $7 seniors and students, $6 children ages 6-17; free for children age 5 and under and MNHS members.
  Reservations: required, call 651-259-3015 or register online.
  
  During the first Christmas of World War I, a spontaneous truce broke out along the front lines among the German, English and French troops. Soldiers crossed battle lines, raised their glasses in a holiday toast and sang songs together. Considered by many a Christmas miracle, this night was never repeated. Popular historian James Neagbour returns to the James J. Hill House to recount this extraordinary event through photos and testimony. Refreshments and house tours follow the program.

• Victorian Christmas Stories
  Date: Dec. 14, 2014
  Time: 6 and 7:30 p.m.
  Fee: $12 adult, $10 seniors and college students, $8 children ages 6 to 17; $2 discount for MNHS members.
  Reservations: recommended, call 651-259-3015 or register online.
  
  Costumed actors bring warmth and humor into their readings of 19th century Christmas literature, including works by Mark Twain, Willa Cather, O. Henry's "Gift of the Magi" and selections from Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." The performers will discuss the development of popular Christmas traditions and literature during the 19th century. Refreshments and house tours follow the program.
   
• Victorian Christmas Carols
  Dates: Dec. 20 and 21, 2014
  Time: 6 and 7:30 p.m.
  Fee: $12 adult, $10 seniors and college students, $8 children ages 6 to 17; $2 discount for MNHS members.
  Reservations: recommended, required, call 651-259-3015 or register online.
  
  Enjoy an hour-long concert tracing the rise and popularity of holiday songs in the 19th and early 20th century, as well as Hill family Christmas traditions. Costumed singers, a pianist and narrator present a broad selection of period tunes in the art gallery of the James J. Hill House. Narration will draw on excerpts from Mrs. Hill's diaries, servant letters and grandchildren's memoirs. Refreshments and house tours follow the program.

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.

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.