Published: May 06, 2008 09:34 am            

Jeffersonville's Victorian Chautauqua to be held next May 17-18

Howard Steamboat Museum to celebrate 50th anniversary

A Victorian Chautauqua — a family-oriented festival featuring arts and crafts booths, entertainment, a large herb and perennial sale, antique sales, food, book signings and mansion tours — will take place May 17 and 18 at the Howard Steamboat Museum in Jeffersonville.

On May 18, special activities during the festival will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the museum, which was opened to the public on May 18, 1958. Jeffersonville Mayor Tom Galligan will proclaim May 18 as Howard Steamboat Museum Day and the U.S. Postal Service will be on hand with a special one-time-only Howard Steamboat Museum 50th Anniversary Station cancellation at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Festival times are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 17 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 18.

The following events and activities will be offered:

• Hula-Hoop and ’50s fashion contest.

• Visit by Elvis, Music of the ’50s.

• “‘50s on Main Street,” an original playlet by local youth, funded in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana Youth Philanthropy Council.

• Educational garden walk with Sheryl Gilbert of Olde Thyme Log House Gardens.

• Remnant Trust presentation by Phil Vogt.

• Eighty arts and crafts exhibitors, part of a juried show.

• Walk-through tours of the mansion at no extra charge, noon to 3 p.m. both days

• Nine antique dealers will display and sell their wares in the Carriage House.

• Snacks and an outdoor Victorian café will be available.

• For children, The Family Fun Festival to benefit the Clark County Youth Shelter will be held in Port Fulton Park behind the Museum on Saturday, with midway-style games and prizes.

Cost:

Admission is $3. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. No pets allowed. Free parking will be available. The event is a fundraising activity for the museum.

Contact Yvonne B. Knight at 812-283-3728 or email HSMSTEAM@

aol. com for more information.

— Contributed

        

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