The Greater Milford Area Historical Society (GMAHS) will host its Annual Holiday Open House at Promont on Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17, 1-4:00 PM each day. The event is free and open to the public. Promont is located at 906 Main Street, Milford, Ohio 45150.

In honor of the Society’s 50th anniversary, this year’s event will debut a totally new holiday theme titled Birds of a Feather, a nod to the decorative arts used during the Victorian era. The Victorians beautified their surroundings with lavish decorations. Nature dominated their decor as they thought that being conversant with Nature improved their lives. The popularity of feathers is linked to their desire to impart a sense of elegance and rarity.

The open house will be held on two days to allow more time for visitors to enjoy the new décor and experience a walk back into Victorian times. Also new to this year’s holiday programming is the introduction of the “Madam of the Manor” – a spectacular holiday décor mannequin raffle item with proceeds benefitting GMAHS programming.

Visitors to the Holiday Open House will enjoy:

Free admission to Promont and an opportunity to enjoy a documented, self-guided tour

Impromptu discussions with costumed docents who will be available to answer questions about Promont

The opportunity to purchase raffle tickets on the unique “Madam of the Manor” holiday mannequin with the drawing scheduled for 3:30 PM on Sunday, December 17

A chance to sign up to win one of two gift baskets featuring selected items from the Promont gift shop

A pop-up Silhouette Studio featuring local artist and illustrator, Pattie A. Purnell, creating heirloom silhouette portraits at $12 each

A Promont miniature replica FREE with each new GMAHS membership at a $50 level or higher

“The Holiday Open House is a way for us to share Promont with the community while the house is adorned for the holidays,” commented Donna Amann, administrator, Greater Milford Area Historical Society. “The event also provides an opportunity to engage in conversations about our goals and plans for the upcoming year in hopes that more people will become members with active involvement in the Society’s programming.”

Notable 2017 GMAHS programs included:

Celebration of the Society’s 50th anniversary: 1967-2017

A Victorian Valentine’s Celebration & Art Exhibit

Lunch and Learn Series that highlighted a number of historical sites in the Milford and Miami Township area

Scholarship award of $500 to Milford student

Collectors Club with monthly meetings that feature historical collectibles

Afternoon Teas that showcase Promont and provide unique experiences

Clermont County Quilt Registry continuation to document quilts made in Clermont County, Ohio prior to 1950; or 19th century quilts brought to the County by relocating families

7th Annual Antique and Vintage Quilt Show and Sale featuring some 50 antique, vintage and new quilts, with a collection of those available for sale

2nd Annual Thirsty 4 History event hosting over 125 people as part of the Society’s membership and fundraising initiatives

12th Annual Art Affaire with over 115 featured artists and approximately 7,500 people in attendance…a significant fundraiser for the Society

Receipt of an Ohio Arts Council matching grant award, allowing the Society to expand its Art Affaire community cultural program

Nomination and finalist selection for the Society’s Art Affaire committee in the Milford and Miami Township Chamber of Commerce Business & Community Awards Gala

GMAHS Little Free Library where you can take a book, leave a book

Expansion of the Promont Events venue rental program, allowing the use of the Promont property for weddings, meetings, reunions and other events

A three-part cemetery focused lecture series

Community historical displays in Milford, Miami Township; and coming December 2017, Victorian Holiday display at Clermont County Administration Building in Batavia

“We try to balance our need for fundraising with activities that focus on history, and we welcome the input of our community,” continued Amann. “ While we are definitely proud of our 2017 accomplishments, we’re always open to new ideas on how GMAHS can be more relevant to you and your family.”

In addition to the Open House dates, Promont will be open on Sunday afternoons, 1-4:00 PM through December 10 with docent-led tours with $5.00 per adult and $1.00 per child admission at the door. The house is closed January and February. For more information on the Greater Milford Area Historical Society and Promont or how to contact us, please visit www.MilfordHistory.net or follow GMAHS on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MilfordHistoricalSociety.