Beginning Saturday, May 17, Historic Jacksonville, Inc. is reviving the Beekman House 1932 Living History series. These monthly events feature historical interpreters portraying the Beekman children, Ben and Carrie, as they close up their historic 1873 home following the death of their mother. Family members and friends join them as they sort through family belongings, explore the contents of closets and cupboards, and reminisce about “growing up Beekman.”
The 1932 Living History series will offer two tours on the third Saturday of each month from May through September. The $25 per person cost includes picnic lunch (12 noon tour) or strawberry shortcake tea (2:30 pm tour). Tours, are by advance reservation only, and are limited to 15 people.
The 1873 Cornelius Beekman House was home to one of Southern Oregon’s most prominent pioneer families. The house remains completely furnished with family artifacts, a rarity when most historic homes are furnished with “period pieces.” The Southern Oregon Historical Society, which owns the Beekman family artifacts, restocked many of the closets and cupboards for these Living History tours.
These popular tours sold out when the Jacksonville Heritage Society initiated them in 2012. Now they are returning under the auspices of the newly formed non-profit organization, Historic Jacksonville, Inc., working in conjunction with the City of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, and other local organizations to bring historic Jacksonville buildings to life through programs, activities, and events. Proceeds benefit Jacksonville historic preservation.
For reservations or for additional information about the Beekman House Living History tours and other Historic Jacksonville, Inc. activities, contact 541-245-3650 or info@historicjacksonville.org, or visit HJI’s website at www.historicjacksonville.org.
Posted May 8, 2014