December 4th – 29th

Step back in time to experience the home festooned with hand-crafted, elegant holiday décor of the period. The Lincoln family home will be cheerfully decorated as though it were Christmas Eve 1912 — one of three dates Mary and Robert Lincoln were in residence for the holidays at their beloved Hildene.

On weekends, talented musicians play both the organ and Steinway piano, creating an ambient atmosphere while guests enjoy the music in the background as they leisurely stroll through the house. Free with General Admission

Saturday, December 6, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Tom Salmon is the organist and Music Director of the Dorset UCC Church. He will be playing the Lincolns’ Aeolian organ.

Sunday, Dec. 7, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, and 2:00 – 4:00pm
Rob Ellis has been performing and singing since the age of 5. He spent ten years performing on cruise ships and has worked as a ballet accompanist for over 50 companies. Rob will play the Lincolns’ Steinway piano.

Fri., Dec. 12, 10:30 am – noon, and 1 – 2 pm
Kirk B. Hartung plays the Lincolns’ Aeolian organ. He served most recently as full-time Director of Music and Organist at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Norwood, MA, having played for churches in Washington State and Massachusetts for over 40 years. He received his Master of Sacred Music (MSM) degree from Boston University School of Theology.

Sat., Dec. 13, 11:00 am – 1 pm
Judy Cyr is the music director and pianist/organist at the Peru Congregational Church in Peru, VT. Previously she has been the pianist at St. Vincent’s Church in Naugatuck, CT, and has participated in music programs for Neighbor to Neighbor, Bromley Mannor and Equinox Terrace. Ms. Cyr will play the Lincolns’ Steinway piano and Aeolian organ.

Sun., Dec. 14 from 2 – 4:00 pm
Joanne Beck is a musician in private social work practice in Manchester and will play the Lincolns’ Steinway piano. She will be accompanied by Monica Schwartz, a Vermont-based bassoonist, composer, and educator who has performed with the VSO and numerous regional ensembles and previously taught for ten years on the Bassoon and Theory Faculty at the Peabody Conservatory Preparatory.

Sat., Dec. 20, 11 am – 1 pm
Gene Marie Callahan is the organist and choir director at the Old First Church of Bennington. She is the artistic director of the Battenkill Chorale and is a lecturer in Creative Arts at Siena College where she directs the Chorus and teaches Basics of Singing. Ms. Callahan will play the Lincolns’ Aeolian organ and Steinway piano.

Sat., Dec. 20, 2 – 4 pm
Lorri Bond currently teaches piano at her private studio in Londonderry. She has been music director at The Rindge Congregational Church, Chester Congregational Church and is now the music director at The Second Congregational Church in Londonderry. In 2023, she became director for the local choir, Nordic Harmoni, who performed at The Peru Fair and most recently, Sankta Lucia at the United Church of Dorset. Mrs. Bond will play the Lincolns’ Steinway piano and the Aeolian organ. Lorri’s daughter Evelyn Bond will accompany her mother, singing carols. She is a student at Castleton University studying early childhood education and music.

Sun., Dec. 21 and 28, 2 – 4 pm
Jeff Linebeck is the organist/choir director at both The Rupert United Methodist Church and The Congregational Church of Rupert, VT. He also has extensive experience in vocal performance and choral conducting. Mr. Linebeck will play the Lincolns’ Aeolian organ.