Victorian Tea Etiquette Workshop presented by Susan Robinson Online

January is Hot Tea Month! Learn how to enjoy a "good cuppa" by attending our virtual Victorian Tea Etiquette Workshop on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 6:30 pm. Learn the history of tea, the types of tea services, and the social "do's and don'ts" of Victorian tea etiquette. Bring your own tea mug (BYOM)! This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Hamden Library and is presented by Susan Robinson from the Osborne Homestead Museum/Kellogg Environmental Center located in Derby, CT. Go back in time to the late Victorian Era (1837-1901) when Frances Osborne Kellogg (see below) would’ve been a young lady in her 20s hosting and going to tea parties.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Please register here. After signing up, you will receive a Zoom meeting link via email. The first twenty people who register will be able to pick up a free tea tasting kit. You will be notified by email when your kit is ready to be picked up at the info desk of Miller Library, 2901 Dixwell Ave. in Hamden, CT. 

About the Osborne Homestead Museum in Derby, CT 

"The Osborne Homestead Museum celebrates the life of Frances Osborne Kellogg" (1876-1956), "an accomplished businesswoman and conservationist who was dedicated to preserving land for future generations."

"Osborne Homestead Museum encompasses the house and grounds of the former Frances Osborne Kellogg Estate. Originally constructed in the mid-1800’s, the house was enlarged and completely remodeled in the Colonial Revival style during the 1920’s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its restored interior now displays the original contents of the estate, which constitutes a significant collection of antiques and fine arts."

About Frances Osborne Kellogg (1876-1956)

"Frances Eliza Osborne was the last of four children born to the Major and Mrs. Wilbur Fisk Osborne, and the only one to survive childhood. She was born in the house at 500 Hawthorne Avenue in 1876, and lived there until her death in 1956. At age 16, she lost the vision in one eye due to an accident.  As a result, she never completed her public school education. At age 31, Frances decided to assume her father’s business responsibilities after his sudden death in 1907. In an era when women were denied leadership opportunities in the business world, she succeeded through pure determination and an excellent business sense. Her achievements included becoming president of Union Fabric Company, vice president of Connecticut Clasp Co., and treasurer of the F. Kelly Company.  She was also a founding partner of Steels and Busks Ltd. of Leicester, England."

"Following the death of her husband in 1928, Frances Osborne Kellogg remained dedicated to her business and civic responsibilities. Some of her civic roles include President of the Women's Club of  Ansonia, Derby, and Shelton, Founder of the Derby Choral Club, and President of the Board of Directors of Derby Neck Library.  Most of these responsibilities she continued to fulfill until a few weeks before her death at the age of 80. Throughout her life, she accepted adversity as a challenge. "All my life has been a series of hurdles. I no sooner get over one than there is another ahead . . . with the bars set a little higher. Before her death, Frances deeded her 350-acre property to the State of Connecticut in order to form a state park."