Park House Museum hosts tea based on Netflix series

Curator Kat Schryburt (left) and Callie McRorie at the recent Bridgerton tea at the Park House.

In 1813, Lady Whistledown wrote about three specific families – Cowper, Fetterington and Bridgerton

It is the last of these three fictitious clans that a popular Netflix series was named after, and has inspired a social event.

Visitors to the Park House Museum in Amherstburg were hosts of a Bridgerton Tea last Friday.

“This is not the first Tea we have had here but it is the first time we’ve done a Bridgerton-themed one,” said museum curator Kat Schryburt.

As part of the show’s popularity, Whistledown would pen a gossip column based on the goings-on of the elite in society.

During the two separate sittings at the museum, one at 11 a.m. and another at 5 p.m., visitors had a chance to read the column and sit at a designated spot of one of the famous families.

“We have had a positive response to this. It’s a very popular show and people want to experience it,” said Schryburt.

As it does with all its events, the Park House Museum took great pride in authenticating every detail for the Tea including the drink itself and the treats that were donated by Amherstburg bakery The Panetteria. Some of the fine china came courtesy of Mayor Michael Prue and his wife Shirley.

Schryburt explained other details including fans for the ladies which were used to communicate in a subtle way and there were even dance cards to fill out. 

While there was no dancing on Friday, the museum did have a croquet game set up outside.

Emily Trepanier of Amherstburg is a summer student working at the museum and she, along with other staff, wore periodic dresses.

“It think it’s wonderful,” she said of the Tea. “It’s a casual social event which are sometimes difficult to find.”

The Park House Museum is considered to be one of Southwestern Ontario’s oldest buildings as the plaque outside states it was built in 1799.

There are lots of activities going on this summer at the museum at 214 Dalhouise St. Summer hours are Wednesday to Sunday and for more information call 519-736-2511.

Park House Museum hosts tea based on Netflix series

By Fred Groves