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m o r r i s o n
FLAGLER MUSEUM palm beach, florida
In Season 2021
Inside Whitehall
TM
The Magazine for Flagler Museum Members
collab/connect
It's all about our Community
I
f we have learned anything this year, it is the importance of supporting each other when times are tough. Over the past several months, the Flagler Museum has collaborated with peers. Our Flagler's Spirit team partnered with the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County to collect books for children. The Museum connected with Palm Beach County Schools to invite educators to Whitehall for Teacher Appreciation Hours (who in turn donated to the book drives, as shown in the photo above). In a sector-wide collaboration facilitated by the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, resources were pooled to promote cultural experiences through the MOSAIC program (mosaicpbc.com). Whitehall's facade was lit up in red on National Wear Red Day to support the American Heart Association's heart disease awareness campaign. Our tourism peers rallied together, too, from hotels to attractions, to take a pledge of commitment towards health and safety county wide, inspiring even more collaboration. While our House and Hotel Tour with The Breakers is on hiatus at this time, we are offering a special visitor program just for their resort guests. I look forward to sharing more "collabs" in our next issue! Executive Director
need to know In November, the Flagler Museum finished the accreditation process and was successfully named a GBAC STAR Facility by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, a division of the worldwide cleaning industry association known as ISSA. This accreditation is considered the gold standard for facilities that have proven the implementation of the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention. "Visitor and staff safety has always been a top priority," said the Museum's lead custodian Jo Ann Jackson. "GBAC helped us improve our already existing sanitation and disinfecting procedures and helped us create an easy-to-follow system with documentation." "We want our guests and staff to have a high level of trust when they are at the Museum" said Deputy Director Gina Pampena, who oversaw the accreditation project. "The GBAC program helped us further enhance our custodial practices with an emphasis on risk assessment, PPE's (personal protective equipment) and emergency preparedness." The Tourist Development Council and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County sponsored the Museum's accreditation endeavor. ON THE COVER: The Stars & Stripes is on display in the Museum parking lot just east of Whitehall's historic wrought iron gates. The Museum's public access areas including the kiosks and the concrete walls and columns along the Lake Trail and Cocoanut Row were recently repaired and refreshed with new paint.
General Admission Programs spring break teacher appreciation hours The Museum will be offering free general admission to local educators as a special "thank you" during Palm Beach County's Spring Break Week 2021. From March 16th to 19th, educators with valid ID may reserve a timed admission ticket from 10 am to 4 pm to enjoy the Museum's historical architecture and collection of fine art. Each educator will also receive a gift bag with valuable classroom resources. Educators who wish to reserve a complimentary ticket are asked to call (561) 655-2833 ext. 10. Teacher Appreciation Hours are generously underwritten by
Member and Visitor Services Director Allison Goff (right) shares a gift bag full of classroom resources, historical maps, and books with a local teacher who attended Teacher Appreciation Hours last October.
visitor reviews posted to Google and tripadvisor
‘Great way to enjoy some Florida history.’
‘One of the most interesting museums I've been to.’
‘Really great museum. Very well maintained. I highly recommend!’
‘This is an extremely impressive museum, and a showcase for preservation/restoration. COVID protocols in no way diminished the experience. We took a leisurely mid-day, self-guided tour, aided by a detailed brochure and clear directions, and immersed ourselves in the world of Henry Flagler and his contemporaries. That this museum is AAM-accredited is no surprise.
But, even more impressive was to dig into all that goes into being a GBAC-accredited facility; it should assuage anyone’s concerns about visiting this public museum during the pandemic.’
HISTORIC &
CURRENT EVENTS
Calendar january 02 In 1830, Henry Morrison Flagler was born on this day to Reverend and Mrs. Isaac Flagler in Hopewell, NY
22
In 1912, the first official train to traverse the Over-Sea Railroad arrived in Key West, pulling Flagler's Railcar No. 91
february 06 In 1960, the Flagler
Museum opened to the public with a grand "Restoration Ball"
15
Presidents' Day - In 1903, the Bal Poudré, a lavish party given in honor of George Washington's birthday, was held in Whitehall's Grand Ballroom (shown above)
march 16 In 2021, local educators receive free admission during Teacher Appreciation Hours through March 19th
april 03 In 2021, the Flagler's Spirit team and the Town of Palm
Beach United Way host the Empty Your Pantry food drive at the Museum (details coming soon)
h e n r y
m o r r i s o n
FLAGLER MUSEUM palm beach, florida
One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach, FL 33480 (561) 655-2833 www.flaglermuseum.us museum hours Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm Closed Sundays, Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. board of trustees George G. Matthews, President G.F. Robert Hanke, Vice President William M. Matthews, Treasurer Thomas S. Kenan, III, Secretary Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Trustee Kelly M. Hopkins, Trustee Richard M. Krasno, Trustee leadership staff Erin Manning, Executive Director Gina Pampena, Deputy Director Christina Bernstein, Director of Finance Allison Goff, Member & Visitor Services Director Lauren Perry, Public Affairs Director Cassandra Van Cott, Retail Manager Inside Whitehall is a Henry Morrison Flagler Museum publication © 2021 by the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. All rights reserved. Volume 28, Issue 1 Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. National Historic Landmark Accredited since 1973 by
may 26 In 1845, Florida held its first statewide election after being admitted to the Union as the 27th state
june 05 In 1959, the non-profit Henry Morrison Flagler Museum was founded (details coming soon on Founder's Day 2021)
follow us: @flaglermuseum #flaglermuseum
nighttime hours in december sold out
Top: First-time visitors walk towards Whitehall during the Special Nighttime Hours on December 23rd. Bottom: A holiday light display brightened the Cocoanut Grove. A family learns about Gilded Age holiday traditions and decor in the Music Room.
Whitehall was fully decorated to celebrate the 2020 holiday season, and the Museum added Special Nighttime Hours from December 20th through 23rd from 6 pm to 8 pm as an addition to its general admission hours. We're pleased to report each evening sold out! Visitors were treated to a festive holiday light display in the Cocoanut Grove at the end of their socially-distanced, selfguided tours.
exclusive access pack age
What's the safest way to tour the Museum? Take a private tour! The Museum is now offering an Exclusive Access Package to guests seeking a private experience. Start the day at Whitehall at 9 am before the Museum opens to the public, and enjoy one leisurely hour of unfettered access to Whitehall, the Flagler Kenan Pavilion with Railcar No. 91, and the Museum's grounds. The self-guided tour includes either a paper brochure to read as you wander through the Museum or a complimentary audio tour wand for a narrated tour. The Museum Store will also be open for a private shopping experience, and each guest who participates will also take home a special gift. Ideal occasions for Exclusive Access may include a girls' day out trip, a celebratory gift for a birthday or anniversary, or a reward for your team — or your child — for an outstanding achievement. Shhh ... want to pop the question in the most exclusive setting in Palm Beach? This package also offers a safe way to enjoy Flagler's home and its spectacular views of Lake Worth for those most concerned about social distancing. This ensures an experience all to yourself! For more information and pricing information, please visit www. flaglermuseum.us/exclusive-accesspackage or call (561) 655-2833 ext. 16.
Cloisonné
An ancient art form Beautiful — and often useful — objets d'art of metal and enamel are found throughout Whitehall, and modern examples are even for sale in the Museum Store. Pronounced kloi-ze-nay, cloisonné is an ancient art technique usually associated with decorative works made in China, Japan, and the Near East, and examples of its use date back thousands of years. Intricate designs are created on metal vessels by filling partitions (known as cloisons
This silver and enamel dessert plate is credited to Feodor Ivanovich Rückert (Russia, 1840-1917) and dates to the late 19th to early 20th century. The ceramic and enamel vase (top) is possibly Japanese and dates to circa 1900. Visitors can take home an example of cloisonné from the Museum Store, including this small box decorated in a floral motif ($29).
in French) made of copper or bronze wires with coloredglass paste or even gems. The vessel is then fired, polished and sometimes gilded before being covered with a clear lacquer coating. The term cloisonné was first used in 1863 to describe the technique. Cloisonné became popular in American decor in the late 1800s and is often found on display in historic Gilded Age homes. Many pieces in Whitehall's collection are credited to Austrian and Russian makers and date to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
in the museum store
Egg-cited for spring Gift ideas are blooming for springtime's special occasions including Easter and Mother's Day. Branch out from your usual Easter décor with these hand-painted or hand-stitched Easter egg ornaments delicately crafted in Austria. Gold and enamel costume jewelry by Ciner, which was founded in 1892, is inspired by flora and fauna. Mix and match the line's necklaces, bracelets, earrings and brooches for a complete look. Stop by the Store's spacious new location in the West Room for socially-distanced shopping.
Grosgrain ribbon, watercolor, and thread were used to decorate these whimsical handmade Easter eggs ($14). This bejeweled enamel egg at right holds a matching necklace inside ($40).
At top: Gold and enamel bracelet ($800). Above: Gold clip earrings ($100), necklace ($400), and bracelet ($150); purchase as a set for $650. discount reminder
Members save 10% on all purchases made in the Museum Store!
docent corner
Monthly book club keeps Flagler docents connected Since February 2009, many of our dedicated volunteer docents have found camaraderie through the Docent Book Club, holding monthly discussions in the Lecture Hall over refreshments. That is, until COVID-19 disrupted Museum operations. "We got creative and pivoted to meeting virtually in March 2020," said Lisa Jensen, who shared this Group FaceTime screenshot (at right) from a recent club meeting.
Above: Bobbie Olson. Right: (top down) Cathy Burger, Elli Laudicina, Betty Sorge, Don Alducin, Lisa Caniff, Olson, and Lisa Jensen.
The club selects titles democratically, voting on an annual slate in October for the upcoming year. Since 2009, they have read and discussed
In memoriam
over 125 books on topics related to the Gilded Age, from biographies to thematic studies and works originally published between 1865 and 1929. This year's books will include stories about the Cartier jewelry empire, the Eiffel Tower, and of course, railroads and robber barons. Coincidentally, in September 2019 the club read a book on the Spanish flu, mere months before the current pandemic reached the U.S.
Linnie Sue Comerford, born on February 21, 1936, died at the age of 84 on November 20, 2020. Sue was a beloved Docent at the Flagler Museum for 33 years and was involved in providing tours to visitors, especially school students. She often served on special assignments, helping to develop and deliver educational programs to children and tour groups, and she worked dutifully in the Museum Store. Sue was known for her knowledge of American and local history, and served proudly in several history associations, including the Historical Society of Palm Beach County and the Daughters of the American Revolution - Seminole Chapter. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, in 2018. Sue was a proud mother and doting grandmother, and a retired educator who served many students in her career in education. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion and kindness and the image of a student of life, apt teacher, and genuine friend.
need to know
virtual progr ams
For nearly 50 years, the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Accreditation has been recognized as the field's gold standard for museum excellence, signifying the quality and credibility of the award recipient to the entire museum community, to governments and outside agencies, and to the general public. After undergoing a rigorous process of selfassessment and peer reviews, the Flagler Museum was reaccredited in late 2020 for an additional 10 years. The Flagler Museum has held this distinction from the AAM since 1973. "From the front gate attendants, to the welcoming greeters, to passionate docents, to friendly custodians, to subtly observant security guards, personnel throughout Whitehall treat every visitor as a VIP guest," wrote the peer reviewers in their final report.
Online lectures explore U.S. presidential, political history
The Flagler Museum was nominated as a finalist in the Best Museum category of The Palm Beach Post's 2021 Best of Palm Beach County Awards. Voting began in late December and ended on V OT ! January 10th. E FOR US Thanks to all who took the time to nominate and to vote for us to win this community-driven award! We couldn't do it without you! The Palm Beach Post plans to announce all the category winners later this spring.
Learn more about presidents and politics in American history by watching an online lecture presented at the Flagler Museum. Our archive of past lectures include topics such as Presidents of the Gilded Age and the Roaring Twenties, and are presented by notable experts and authors. Navigate to our website using the links shown in the box at right to watch these complimentary videos from the comfort of your home. For those who prefer to read, our online store has a number of curated book packages available for purchase covering topics that range from the building of the Panama Canal to the women's suffrage movement in America. All purchases directly support the Museum. Buy it for yourself or order a gift for someone who needs a boost at this time!
ONLINE LECTURES: www.flaglermuseum.us/ watch-lectures VIRTUAL TOUR: www.flaglermuseum.us/ virtual-tour ONLINE STORE: www.flaglermuseum.us/ store
Museum Member Benefits* Legacy $10,000 • Privilege of reserving an evening at the Museum for a Member Event* • 50 guest tour passes • 20% discount in the Museum Store • Free admission for the Member/s to the following Museum programs: - Holiday Evening Tours (choice of one date) - Music Series concert (choice of one concert) * Subject to Member Event guidelines, fees, - Bluegrass in the Pavilion concert & availability. Due to - Mixing It Up cocktail party the pandemic, some Plus all the benefits of Flagler Associate programs are not
We thank our Sponsors!
currently being offered. Flagler Associate $5,000 • Private tour for up to six people • Sponsorship acknowledgment for one of Whitehall’s first floor rooms • 30 guest tour passes Plus all the benefits of Benefactor
Benefactor $2,500 • Privilege of reserving the Boardroom and Study for a meeting* • Sponsorship acknowledgment for one of Whitehall’s second-floor rooms • 20 guest tour passes Plus all the benefits of Patron Patron $1,000 • Invitation to the Director’s Annual Luncheon • Acknowledgment on the Members and Contributors Recognition Plaque in the Flagler Kenan Pavilion • 16 guest tour passes Plus all the benefits of Sponsor Sponsor $500 • Four additional Individual Memberships for friends or colleagues • 12 guest tour passes Plus all the benefits of Sustaining Sustaining $250 • Free admission for the Member/s to Whitehall Lecture Series • Invitation to the Independence Day Celebration • Invitations to Exhibition Opening Receptions • Free admission to Easter Egg Hunt including children and grandchildren under 18 Whitehall Society • $2 discount for Café des Beaux-Arts* $150/$225 • Eight guest tour passes • Ticket/s to Mixing It Up Plus all the benefits of Family and Exhibition Lectures Family $125 • Two tickets to • One additional personalized Membership Holiday Evening Tours Card for an adult at same household (choice of one date) • Free admission for Member’s children under 18 • Invitation to Exhibition Plus all the benefits of Individual Opening Receptions and Independence Individual $75 / Educator $50 (With ID) Day Celebration • Unlimited free admission to the Museum • Unlimited free admission • Subscription to Inside Whitehall, • 10% discount in the the Museum’s magazine Museum Store • Acknowledgment in Annual Report • $2 discount for Café • Discounted ticket to Whitehall Lecture Series des Beaux-Arts* • 10% discount in Museum Store • Reserved parking • Reserved parking in Visitor Parking Lot
The Eliasberg Family Foundation The Fortin Foundation of Florida, Inc. The Mary Alice Fortin Foundation
The MBS Family Foundation
Roe Green
The Wise Foundation
renewal reminder Call 561-655-2833 ext. 12 to make sure your Membership is active so you continue to receive Inside Whitehall ... and more!
our current visitor experience
How to visit the Museum right now ... safely!
1
Reserve your tickets (up to 4) in advance online at www. flaglermuseum.us. (If you need assistance, call 561-655-2833.) We’ll send your ticket to you via email along with additional instructions.
re-opening milestone reached: 10,000 VISITORS! Palm Beach County local Viviana Galguera purchased our 10,000th general admission ticket since we reopened in June 2020. Viviana and her guest visited Whitehall on December 29th, 2020. The Museum was also pleased to greet Cliff and Cathy Richards of San Antonio, TX, (shown) who purchased our 7,500th ticket for their visit on November 25th.
2
When you arrive, put on your mask! All visitors over the age of 2 and staff are required to wear masks at all times while on Museum grounds (even outside).
3
Approach our friendly greeter in the entry kiosk and present your photo ID and e-ticket to gain entry.
4
When you step onto Whitehall’s front portico, stop to read the Welcome Sign (available in English and Spanish) to inform you about our new guidelines and safety protocols.
5
Once inside, a friendly floor attendant will offer you a paper brochure (available in English, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese) or assist you with downloading the Flagler Museum App (English, Spanish or French) to your personal device to listen to an audio tour. Questions are welcomed!
6
Follow the one-way arrows along the fixed route both inside and outside, and maintain at least six feet of distance from other parties. Enjoy your tour ... safely!
current hours
tour options
Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Choose a free tour option with Museum admission:
Closed Sundays and Mondays until further notice Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day
admission prices Free for Museum Members $18 for Adults $10 for Youth ages 13-17 $3 for Children ages 6-12 Children ages 5 and under are free
• Single-use paper Self-Guide Brochures, available in English, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese, and Kids Tour & Activity Guides • The “Flagler Museum App”, featuring an audio tour in English, Spanish and French with corresponding images, is available to download to your personal device
Please visit our website for more specifics to guide you on your visit: www.flaglermuseum.us/visiting
h e n r y
m o r r i s o n
FLAGLER MUSEUM
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage
A National Historic Landmark
West Palm Beach, FL Permit No. 1831
palm beach, florida
PAID
One Whitehall Way Palm Beach, Florida 33480
in the Museum store
Map enthusiasts will love this new hardcover detailing the Florida Keys This first edition (available with author's signature) titled "The Florida Keys — A History Through Maps" by Todd Turell, Brian Schmitt, and Bob Carr, covers the creation of the Keys Archipelago, the Native Americans who once ruled them, the Spanish who "discovered" them, and the railroad men and developers who sculpted them. Includes ancient and modern day maps with overlays ($120). Call (561) 655-2833 ext. 21 to order or visit the Museum to shop in person!