BELLAMY MANSION MUSEUM
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Mardi Gras at the Bellamy Mansion

3/26/2019

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Stylish guests arrayed in masks and beads trailed into the house, the sound of jazz and the smell of savory food pouring from the open doors. The rooms were alive with laughter as guests tried their hand at various casino games and sipped signature cocktails. The spirit of Mardi Gras had descended over the historic house for the night. “In this house, laissez les bon temps rouler!”

On Saturday, March 2, 2019, the Bellamy Mansion Museum held its first Mardi Gras Casino Night. With a crowd of over 78 guests in addition to the staff and reporters from Stars News and Salt Magazine, the historic house was brimming with merriment and mirth. The house and its courtyard were themed for the occasion: lights of purple and green illuminated the night, string lights and a warm fire pit transformed the courtyard into a cozy square, each room of the first and second floors of the house were fitted with entertainment, and beads were strung everywhere. The Bellamy had pulled out all the stops.

Each ticket to the event included game chips, raffle tickets, complimentary drink tickets, food, beads, and a night of fun. There were casino games from roulette and blackjack to poker and craps, live music by Sylvia Ritchie, hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails, bourbon tasting courtesy of Heaven Hill, exciting raffle prizes, and a wine pull. The raffle included prizes such as tickets to Orlando Seaworld and Busch Gardens, a staycation at a downtown B&B with Rx dinner, a $200 bottle of bourbon courtesy of Heaven Hill, and so much more.
For the event, the Bellamy had food catered by Diamond Food Enterprises. The staff of the community-oriented catering company was cordial and courteous throughout the evening, attending to the culinary needs of the guests and serving flavorful hors d’oeuvres. Served were dishes like jambalaya, pasta alfredo, cocktail shrimp, banana rum pudding, and sausage bites.

The signature cocktail of the evening, provided by one of the event’s sponsors, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, was The Big Easy—a transformative drink made with Tito’s vodka, key lime juice, Sprite, and “magic blue ice” made with butterfly pea flower. When added to the drink, the blue ice causes the drink to gradually change colors from clear to purple. This is because the butterfly pea flower reacts to the pH level of the liquid it comes in contact with, such as turning purple in the presence of the citric acid found in key lime juice and Sprite. The drink was a popular choice among the guests for its magical quality and taste.

The night was enjoyable even for the Bellamy staff working the event. For the first part of the night, I worked the registration table with the Event Coordinator, Carolyn Gonzalez. I got to see every guest that arrived in their lovely festive attire. The catering staff graciously offered us hors d’oeuvres while we worked, and the food tasted even better than it looked. Once all the guests were checked in, I wandered through the house to watch the guests’ revelry, try the different foods available, and help wherever needed. Although I was there to help host the event, I could not help but fall under the spell of Mardi Gras, enjoying the event throughout the evening.

The proceeds from the event went towards the Bellamy Museum’s free community programming, such as lectures, workshops, art exhibits, Family Fun Day, Nights of Lights, and scholarships to the museum summer camp. As a night of great fun that contributed to programs that benefit the Wilmington community, it was certainly not an event to be missed.
 
Disclaimer: Casino gaming tables were provided for entertainment purposes only. No prizes were awarded for table winnings.


Written by Bellamy Mansion Museum intern and UNCW English Major Ashley Merklinger
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Hootenanny – Thurs June 18

6/17/2015

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Catesby Jones
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Eric Miller
Have plans for tomorrow night?  Of course you do because you wouldn’t miss an exciting night of music at the Bellamy Mansion.  Local favorites Catesby Jones, Anne Haley, Eric Miller, and John Golden will be performing live at our annual Hootenanny in the work yard behind the mansion at 6pm.  The event is free, though there is a suggested donation of $10. Beer and wine will be sold.  Feel free to bring a blanket or folding chair and enjoy an evening of Folk, Bluegrass, and old time tunes. The event is tomorrow, June 18th beginning at 6pm. We look forward to seeing you!


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Annual Christmas Stroll

11/30/2014

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The Bellamy Mansion along with the Burgwin-Wright House and St. James Church will present A Christmas Stroll Through the Past on Saturday, December 13, from 4:00-7:00 pm. Both historic homes will be decorated in the fashion of the period. Costumed interpretation, refreshments, vocal and instrumental music, and children’s activities -- including the ever popular petting zoo -- will be featured. The interior of St. James Church (1840) will be open with a docent present. You can begin at either house and stroll the luminary lit path at your own pace and admire historic Kenan Fountain encircled with lights. Tickets are available at both houses and online. Adult admission is $20.00 plus tax, and new this year: those under 15 are free of charge.
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Halloween Movie Night

10/31/2014

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Our annual Halloween Movie Night was a success! Showings of two classics, Hocus Pocus and Psycho, kept crowds in the Halloween spirit all night long. 
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Fall Emerging Artist Show

10/1/2014

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Some of the great pieces in our Fall Exhibit!
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Family Fun Day

9/28/2014

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More than 1700 children, parents, grandparents, and other adults experienced a fun-filled free-of-charge afternoon, making it the largest crowd to ever visit the Bellamy! The chickens, horseback rides, and petting zoo were especially popular. Children could experience 19th century games such as graces, skittles, and the ever challenging hoop and stick. Various craft tables provided children the opportunity to make kits and paper airplanes, potato block prints that are being fashioned into three crib-sized quilts that will be donated to three children in the pediatric ward at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, origami, and a variety of Christmas ornaments that will decorate an annual tree at Betty Cameron Women’s and Children Hospital. Face painting and children’s tours of the Mansion kept volunteers busy all afternoon.
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Going Green Event

2/18/2014

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The Bellamy Mansion recently hosted Going Green, a free family event on Sunday the 16th. The weather was beautiful, which meant there were happy, smiling faces all around! Activities were held inside and outside of the house that included live music, crafts for children, exhibits with recycling ideas, weaving, chickens to pet, and tours showing how the Bellamy Mansion was built green-friendly. Over one hundred and fifty people attended, making it an educational and fun day!
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El Jaye Johnson & The Port City All-Stars

8/2/2013

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Jazz at the Mansion will be back! The rained out El Jaye Johnson & The Port City All-Stars will return to perform September 12 @ 6:30 pm! Bring blankets or chairs and enjoy this summer concert on the lawn!

Tickets are $12 general admission, $10 for members, & $5 for students (with ID).

Questions? Call us at 910.251.3700.

*Weather permitting. In event of bad weather, concert may be cancelled.

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    About Us

    The museum offers tours, features changing exhibits, and provides venue space for weddings and special events.

    503 Market Street
    Wilmington, NC 28401
    910.251.3700
    Tours:
    Tues - Sat 10am- 4pm
    Sunday 1pm- 4pm

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