‘Curiouser and Curiouser’

Valerie Neuber, VHAS president, Alisa DuPuy and Naomi Ingraldi, VHAS trustee.

Historical Society Museum dresses up for a tea party that Alice in Wonderland would love.

On the last day of February,  participants spent an enchanted evening “down the rabbit hole” at the Vineland Historical Society’s Hearts and Tarts tea party. The tea party theme was Alice in Wonderland and showcased whimsical and playful décor featuring the original illustrations done by Sir John Tenniel. 

Guests donned fanciful hats, handmade especially for the occasion, that featured feathers, pocket watches, books, and playing cards. Several guests wore costumes, such as the King and Queen of Hearts, while others wore long and short dresses with lace stockings and fascinators. 

The King and Queen of Hearts, aka Diane Pease and Grace Ucciferri.

Alisa DuPuy, from the Ladies of History Historical Productions, captivated the audience with the story of the real Alice—Alice Pleasance Liddell. Alice was four years old when Lewis Carroll, whose real name was Charles Dodgson, became a close family friend. His fantastic stories were created to entertain young Alice and her sisters on a boat outing and formed the basis for Alice’s Adventures Under Ground, the first draft of the Alice stories, which went on to become the one of the most popular children’s books in England.

Following DuPuy’s performance, guests enjoyed mini quiches, tea sandwiches, scones, jam tarts, and of course, a selection of teas with fresh mint, lemon, and honey. 

What better way to close out the month of February? After all, “we’re all mad here,” to quote the Chesire Cat.

The Vineland Historical Society, located at 108 S. 7th Street, Vineland, is a 501 c(3) nonprofit, non-governmental organization. Visit www.discovervinelandhistory.org to learn more.