Spring Exhibition ~ February 14^th – June 20^th

The British Queen Victoria was married February 10, 1840. Her white satin dress trimmed in orange blossoms and a garland crown to match influenced wedding trends everywhere—many of which have endured. This spring, tour Cairnwood to see a special exhibition, Antique Wedding Gowns c. 1896 – 1953.

• Access to exhibition is included in Cairnwood special events and guided tours.

Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

Tuesday, March 21^st at 7:30 PM

Theodore Pitcairn was the 5^th child of John and Gertrude Pitcairn. He moved with his family from Philadelphia to Cairnwood Estate in 1895 when he was 18 months old. In the minds and hearts of his parents, the ideal environment for members of their family and church community to thrive was a rural setting surrounded by nature, farmland, and the wholesome entertainments of the countryside. When Theodore was married in 1927, he returned to these inspiring roots by purchasing a 200-year-old farmhouse just a few miles from Cairnwood. He developed a unique complex of buildings and a small working farm reminiscent of estates found in the French countryside.

Join us as Chris Mendel (ASLA), Executive Director of the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust (PERT), presents a fresh look at the landscape history and development of Reverend Theodore Pitcairn’s estate, today the home of the Lord’s New Church Philadelphia congregation. This local treasure borders PERT and is the childhood home of PERT’s founder Feo Pitcairn. See how this gem of a cultural landscape has evolved over the last 100 years and is part of a mosaic of open spaces that make Bryn Athyn Borough so special. Through education we seek to engage the public in healthy and inspiring outdoor environments which respect our local history, protect the critical natural ecosystems, and preserve shared values for future generations.

• • Lecture will be held via Zoom
  • Free; $10 donations welcome
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Advance reservations required

Meeting: Tuesday, April 18^th at 7:30 PM

SPRING SELECTION

The Second Mrs. Astor: A Heartbreaking Historical Novel of the Titanic  by Shana Abe

Madeleine Talmage Force is just seventeen when she attracts the attention of John Jacob “Jack” Astor. Jack is dashing and industrious—a hero of the Spanish-American war, an inventor, and a canny businessman. Despite their twenty-nine-year age difference, and the scandal of Jack’s recent divorce, Madeleine falls headlong into love—and becomes the press’s favorite target. Madeleine is solidly upper-class, but the Astors are in a league apart. Jack’s mother was the Mrs. Astor, American royalty, and New York’s most formidable socialite.

On their extended honeymoon in Egypt, the newlyweds finally find a measure of peace from photographers and journalists. The couple plans to return home in the spring of 1912, aboard an opulent new ocean liner. When the ship hits an iceberg close to midnight on April 14th, there is no immediate panic. The swift, state-of-the-art RMS Titanic seems unsinkable. As Jack helps Madeleine into a lifeboat, he assures her that he’ll see her soon in New York…

Four months later, at the Astors’ Fifth Avenue mansion, a widowed Madeleine gives birth to their son. In the wake of the disaster, the press has elevated her to the status of virtuous, tragic heroine. But Madeleine’s most important decision still lies ahead: whether to accept the role assigned to her or carve out her own remarkable path.

• • Free admission
  • RSVP to: lisa@cairnwood.org or by calling 215-947-2004 ex 5
  • Meeting will take place in the Cairnwood Garden House

Tuesday – Sunday at 11am

• Admission: Adult (Ages 18-64): $15; Student (Ages 6-17) and Seniors (Ages 65+): $12; 5 & under: Free
• Cairnwood Members – please call to receive your free tour(s) coupon code.
• Tours are available Tuesday – Sunday at 11:00am
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended; the estate and grounds are occasionally closed for private rentals on short notice
• Parts of the estate are not fully accessible due to 1895 construction; tours require a fair amount of walking and stairs. Call for more information or to request tour modifications.
• Call 215-947-2004 or contact us at info@cairnwood.org to schedule your tour

Tuesday – Thursday at 2pm or By Appointment ~ April 2023

• General Admission: Adult (Ages 18-64): $15; Student (Ages 6-17) and Seniors (Ages 65+): $12; Children 5 and under: Free
• Cairnwood Members – please call to receive your free tour(s) coupon code.
• Tours are available: Tuesday – Thursday at 2:00 pm or by Appointment (reservations required)
• Weather permitting/discretionary substitutions may be required
• Tour includes uneven garden paths and stairs; call to inquire about accessibility
• Duration: 75 minutes
• Purchasing tickets in advance is required

Sunday, May 14^th at 10 AM, 1 PM & 4 PM

Celebrate Mom while enjoying a traditional tea service. Afternoon Tea is a truly Victorian custom known worldwide, with origins in 19^th century England. Take in the gardens and grounds of Cairnwood and join us for tea inside a beautiful historic landmark. Your party of 2-6 people will be seated at your own private table. Book your reservation now for this special Mother’s Day event! Reservations include docent-supported self-guided touring of the 2^nd and 3^rd floors from 11am to 4pm which includes exhibits featuring the matriarchs of Cairnwood and a special exhibition, Antique Wedding Gowns c. 1896 – 1953.

Tea menu includes premium teas by master blender Harney & Sons, soup du jour and seasonal salad, traditional tea sandwiches, family style petit fours, and scones with clotted cream and jams provided by Karen Spire Catering. Gluten free and vegetarian substitutions are available; please call to make dietary requests in advance.

• $70/person (tax & gratuity not included)
• Duration: 2 hours
• For groups of more than 6 people, please call 215.947.2004 to arrange a group reservation.
• NOTE: reservations are by table; if you would like to join an existing reservation, please call 215.947.2004
• Limited availability ~ Reservations Required

Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

Tuesday, June 20^th, 8 PM – 10 PM

The Bryn Athyn Historic District will glow a little brighter!

• FREE admission to the Bryn Athyn Historic District grounds; additional activities for a fee.
• Free parking throughout the Bryn Athyn Historic District.
• Please note that given the age and construction of the buildings, some areas are not fully accessible.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Cairnwood Estate
FREE admission to the Garden House welcome center & orientation video
Self-guided house tours supported by docents: $5/person
Wine & beer available for purchase on the South Terrace

Bryn Athyn Cathedral
FREE admission
Tour guides available
Classical music

Glencairn Museum
Enjoy the grounds and outdoor illumination of the building

Sunday, July 9^th at 3pm

Step out in style at Cairnwood! In the spirit of times of yore, get gussied up in your favorite summer linen, bowties, and seersucker for an old-fashioned social at the Estate. Our gracious building and manicured lawn are the perfect setting for socializing with your favorite fashionable friends. Enjoy lawn games, food and festive libations on the terrace, cigars in the fountain garden, tours of the Carriage House collections, and music.

• $60/person
• $40 Cairnwood & Glencairn Museum Members – with valid coupon code
• Duration: 3 hours
• Limited availability ~ Reservations Required
• 21+ years of age or older
• Dapper attire encouraged

Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.

Thursday, August 24^th at 7 PM

The Summer Wine Tasting – an annual tradition – features live music, samplings of premium wines from around the world, and savory bites compliments of Karen Spire Catering. Get your first pour and take in some history. Enjoy self-guided tours of the 2^nd & 3^rd floors of the Estate available from 7pm to 9pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an evening out with friends while soaking in the stunning views from the Cairnwood terrace!

• $60/person
• $40 Cairnwood & Glencairn Museum Members – with valid coupon code
• Duration: 3 hours
• Limited availability ~ Reservations Required

Fundraising and outreach activities proudly hosted by Cairn Club, Inc.