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Mansion Rentals

The first floor of the Mansion may be rented for dinner parties, weddings, family celebrations, business functions and other events. We can accomodate approximately 150 people for a reception or stand-up gathering, 80 for a served sit-down affair using two separate rooms, and 50 for a buffet sit-down affair or if all guests will be seated in the same room. We can put you in touch with several area caterers and florists if you need help finding one.

Please note: The Mansion may not be available for certain dates from January 1 to March 31. We reserve the winter months for Mansion renovations and exhibit renewal. Please call to see if your date will be available.

Fee Schedule¹

¹ Rates include use of up to eight 4' round tables seating up to 56 guests, 70 banquet chairs, and four rectangular serving tables. Floor length ivory table cloths with burgundy toppers are available for $13 per round table. Ivory or burgundy cloths for serving tables are also available at $9 each. Alternate table covers and all other equipment needed for your event must be provided and set up by your caterer or a party rental firm.

² Depending on the schedule of other activities in the mansion, set up for events may be accommodated 10:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, at no charge. Set up at any other time will be billed at the appropriate hourly rate.

³ The overtime/damage deposit is refundable less any property damage incurred as a result of the event and less any additional hourly rate for the occupancy of guests or catering staff beyond the contracted rental time.

Non-profit/tax exempt 501(c)3 organizations receive a 25% discount.

Billable Time

Experience has shown that caterers require significant set up time to assure your event is a memorable success and that guests seldom leave by the time an event is scheduled to end. For initial planning purposes and for calculating the rental deposit, please add two hours prior to the start of your event for caterer set up time and one-half hour after the end of your event for caterer tear down time and late departures. Adjustments to your total rental hours can be made following discussion with your caterer. Set up/tear down time includes any use of the mansion prior to or following your event, including when any person (photographer, family member, wedding party member, guest, caterer, florist, etc.) involved with the event requires access. It is the renter's responsibility to assure that all guests depart the event in a timely manner in order to avoid additional occupancy charges.

Deposit and Payment Schedule

A deposit of one-half of the total projected payment, less the overtime/damage deposit, is due when the event is added to the Society's calendar. Final payment is due four weeks prior to the event. The overtime/damage deposit may be included in the final payment or may be provided in a separate check. The deposit will be fully refunded following the event less any damages incurred or mansion use over the contracted hours.

Cancellation and Refunds

For events cancelled in writing more than four weeks prior to the scheduled date, the full deposit less a $50 reservation processing fee will be refunded. For events cancelled less than four weeks prior to the scheduled date, the initial payment of one-half the total fee will be retained by the Society. The Society will, however, make every effort to accommodate your needs if unexpected circumstances require you to reschedule your event.

⁴ Bar service must be provided by a pre-approved, properly licensed and insured caterer or server. Licensed bartenders at a reasonable hourly fee are available from our list of caterers. All beverages must be served in bottles, cans, or glasses (no kegs or pouring of shots). Cash bars and self-service of alcohol are not allowed. At the end of the rental period, the licensed bartender is required to close the bar and remove all alcohol to the care of the Society's representative. Unused alcohol can be picked up from our office the first business day after the event.

Decorations and Music

Decorations, banners, and other visuals are permitted, provided they do not detract from or interfere with mansion furnishings, exhibits, and displays. Only electric or votive candles may be used. Confetti and dried flowers are not permitted, and nothing may be placed on the piano. Please check with us regarding other decorations. Music may be played, but not at a volume that affects the structural integrity of the mansion or the artifacts.

Caterers and Florists

Caterers and other contractors must be chosen from a pre-approved list or be approved by us prior to the event. Caterers will need to meet requirements and sign our caterer's contract. If you would like to use a caterer that is not already approved, please have the caterer contact us as soon as you return your signed rental agreement and security deposit. And regardless of the caterer you choose, we must have the name of your caterer at least one month before the date of your event.

Delivery and pick-up of event supplies and event set up times must be arranged by your caterer with the Society office. If there is no conflict with another event, caterers may deliver and set up for your event during the Society's regular business hours from 10:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, at no charge.

Caterers and florists are listed in alphabetical order. Inclusion on this list does not constitute an endorsement of any firm or product.

Revised 11/5/09. Individual rental contract terms supercede any information on this page, which is subject to change. We welcome your calls and emails for additional information.

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