Ten Broeck Mansion Floral Show & Tea Tasting

Join us for a delightful weekend at the Ten Broeck Mansion: floral show, tea tasting, special tours, vintage china sale, hands-on activities, and more to support education.

Event Highlights:
- Floral tours: 30-minute guided tours showcasing floral arrangements and the history of the Ten Broeck Mansion.
- Tea tasting & more: tea tasting on the Ten Broeck porch. Teas donated by The Whistling Kettle (Albany NY) and tea cookies donated by Bella Napoli (Latham NY).
- Hands-on fun: learn nineteenth-century napkin folding and how to set a table in period style.
- Garden sketching: view historic sketches by Lizzie Judson (1862–1959) and create your own art with provided supplies.
- Vintage china & wreath sale: vintage silver, crystal, teapots, custom garden wreaths, jewelry, and decor by local artisans. Includes vintage and hard-to-find Wedgwood, Noritake, Haviland, Royal Albert, Gorham Crystal, and more.
- Be a sponsor: at this level, your ticket includes a special thank-you Ten Broeck Garden gift and acknowledgement in our program.

During floral tours, visitors will learn about Robert Roberts and Amelia Simmons. Robert Roberts (c. 1780–1860) was an abolitionist and free African American butler in Massachusetts; his book, The House Servant’s Directory, was the first book by an African American to be published by a major commercial publisher. Amelia Simmons published the first known American cookbook in 1796 and likely worked in Albany, NY; she shared one of the earliest recipes for Dutch cookies.

Custom floral arrangements generously donated by Flower Scout, Frank Gallo Florist, and Blooms by Marie.

Dates:
- Thursday May 28: Noon, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm
- Friday May 29: Noon, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm
- Saturday May 30: Noon, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm
- Sunday May 31: Noon, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm

All proceeds support the Education Center at the Ten Broeck Mansion. You are encouraged to add an ACHA membership or make a special Education Center gift. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. The ACHA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community-centered museum.

Other special events (separate registration required):
- Music in the Mansion concert: Saturday May 30, 3:00–4:00 pm.
- Free floral tour for families: Sunday May 31, 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm.

Visitor information:
- Getting here:
- Free off-street parking: Livingston Avenue parking lot (GPS: 136 Livingston Avenue, Albany, NY).
- Walking: neighborhood sidewalks provide easy access.
- Public transportation: CDTA bus routes 100 and 106 stop about a four-minute walk away.
- Visit the website for a map and additional travel information.
- Making your visit safe and comfortable:
- Wear comfortable shoes; spike heels are not permitted.
- Bags should be smaller than a standard backpack. Larger bags must be left in the reception area.
- Do not touch historic collections.
- Water in closed containers is permitted; glass containers are not allowed.
- Accessibility:
- Visitors with accessibility needs are encouraged to contact the museum in advance.
- Visitors with service dogs are welcome; emotional support and therapy dogs are not permitted.
- The ACHA does not have a fully ADA-accessible restroom; a ground-floor restroom is available.
- Museum spaces and gardens offer very limited seating.
- Gardens & grounds:
- Gardens and parking lot are reserved for registered museum program visitors during regular tour and program hours.
- Pack-in, pack-out policy; light lunches (brown-bag type) may be enjoyed on the grounds, but no parties, buffets, hammocks, additional chairs/tables, or tents may be brought in.
- Pets must be kept on a leash six feet or shorter; pet waste must be removed and pets should not relieve themselves in garden beds or near walks.
- No smoking, vaping, or alcohol consumption.
- Free educational kits and self-guided tours are available at the garden kiosk.
- Hours may change; check the website or call for current information.
- Registration & program timing:
- Advance registration is required for all free programs.
- Admission, seating, or program materials cannot be guaranteed for unregistered or late-arriving visitors.
- Late arrivals cannot remain past the scheduled program end time; programs cannot be extended.
- Ensuring a positive experience:
- Follow guidelines and the instructions of ACHA staff. Disrespectful, abusive, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate behavior is not permitted; visitors who do not follow expectations will be asked to leave.
- Regulations may be updated; please visit the website for current regulations.

Image captions: Ten Broeck Mansion Gardens; Floral arrangements courtesy Flower Scout, Frank Gallo Florist, and Blooms by Marie.

Refund policy: No refunds.