The Victorian world of childhood – Peter Pan and Peter Rabbit, doll houses and perambulators, nursery rhymes and nursery tea. – those days seem far away and long ago in today’s world of Fisher Price and day care centers, but they can be recalled, if only briefly, with a visit to the Hunter House Victorian Museum for the children’s programs offered throughout the season.

The museum offers a unique membership program for children only! Youngsters aged 4 and older are eligible. Once enrolled, members received many benefits including:

a thank you note and gift
mailings of activity books throughout the year
birthday greetings
advance notice of our popular children’s program dates
and
reductions on most program fees

The advance notice of programs is extremely helpful to parents because by the time most news publications print the program information, the program is often filled.

Because children are excited to receive mail addressed to them, the museum mails special activity books five times a year to them – activity books such as “Little Butterfly Stained Glass Activity Book” and “Old Time Cat Stickers.” These books are all inspired by Victorian playtime and pastimes. And as children may not always be able to attend each special program offered at the museum, the mailings keep them in touch with the Victorian world.

Because of the number of children interested in membership and their varying ages, boys and girls aged 4 – 7 are eligible for the Victorian Children’s Hour level of membership. Young ladies aged 7 and older are eligible for the Samantha & Friends level of membership. Members will be sent age appropriate mailings. 

Monthly programs are again inspired by Victorian literature or pastimes. Teddy Bear Picnics and Fairy Balls have been held in the museum garden for the youngest of our members. Programs for the young ladies often feature the beloved characters Anne of Green Gables and Heidi.

Children do not need to be members to participate in the museum programs, yet members do receive advance notice and fee reductions.

The membership runs the calendar year April through December; membership is $12 per child/$18 for two siblings. Please contact the museum at 757-623-9814 for additional details.

Check the Special Events Calendar for upcoming programs. 

Check the Children's Corner section for fun activities for children.

We look forward to seeing you soon!