Victorian Holiday Exhibit On Display Beginning Dec. 2, 2008

'Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Molly Brown House Museum

Nothing adds to the holiday season like Christmas at the Denver home of Titanic survivor Margaret "Molly" Brown. Experience the opulence at the 14-room Capitol Hill mansion as it is transformed using authentic Victorian Christmas décor in an exhibit that opens Dec. 2, 2008 and runs through Jan. 4, 2009.

The Molly Brown House Museum recreates the splendor of the Brown family's Christmas at the turn-of-the-century. The mansion is decorated from floor-to-ceiling with authentic period decorations, including garland-decked halls, multiple Christmas trees, and glittering ornaments. Under the trees, guests can see the unique Victorian toys, mistletoe and memorabilia that are the foundation of today's holiday traditions.

Christmas was a holiday the Brown family truly enjoyed. In an article Margaret "Molly" Brown wrote on December 22, 1900, she stated that "...this Christmas, perhaps, is the happiest, because it is the one most fresh in my memory, and we always think the joy of the moment greater than that of the past."

Guests can also enjoy high tea in the third floor ballroom. Holiday high tea at the museum includes a guided tour followed by tea served with scones, tea sandwiches, dessert, and fruit. Holiday teas are offered several times a week in November and December, and cost just $23 per person. Reservations are required and can be made at www.mollybrown.org. Click on events or call (303) 832-4092 ext. 16.

The Molly Brown House Museum also offers Christmas candlelight tours. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Candlelight Tours offer a rare opportunity to see the museum at night. Candles light the way as costumed guides explain how the Browns celebrated the holidays a century ago, detailing the lavish customs and traditions of a bygone era. The tour ends in the third floor ballroom where guests sip cider and listen to a contemporary of Molly Brown, "Teddy Roosevelt" read the classic Christmas tale, "Twas The Night Before Christmas," and recount some of his own colorful stories. Tours will be held December 12 and 13, 2008 and cost $13 for Historic Denver members, seniors and children and $16 for adult non members. Reservations are recommended.

The Molly Brown House Museum's award-winning store, located in the carriage house at the rear of the museum, is a great place to get a jump start on holiday shopping. Visitors will find many items on their holiday shopping lists including tea sets, hats, jewelry, books, party favors and Titanic memorabilia. Shop online at www.mollybrown.org or visit during regular museum hours.

The Molly Brown House Museum, owned and operated by Historic Denver, Inc., is a celebrated Denver landmark located at 1340 Pennsylvania Street in the historic Capitol Hill Neighborhood.

General museum admission, including the exhibit, is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors over 65 and $4 for kids 6-12 years old. Museum tours run Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 noon - 3:30 p.m.

For more information call (303) 832-4092 ext. 16 or visit www.mollybrown.org