Fête de “Lilac Girls” Weather Update
The Lilac Girls event scheduled for Saturday, September 26th, has been canceled due to the potential impacts of severe weather. Please read on for more information.Connecticut Landmarks, in collaboration with Martha Hall Kelly and our partner organizations, has made the difficult decision to cancel this weekend’s Fête de Lilac Girls at the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden due to the potential for severe weather. While we had been looking forward to celebrating with you, our primary concern is always for the safety of our visitors and staff.Tickets have been canceled and refunds will automatically be processed to the cards used for payment. It may take up to 5 business days for the refunds to be reflected in your account.We plan to reschedule the event, most likely for the spring of 2027, though we do not yet have the details. We apologize for the disappointment, and hope to see you at one of our historic house museums soon. Thank you for your understanding.
Put together your perfect day by selecting from the menu of tickets below! If you would only like to explore the grounds and access a book signing, purchase a Grounds Ticket. Access to the grounds and a book signing are included with House Tour Tickets and Tea Tickets.
12 noon–4 pm • A Vintage Parisian Festival • $20 / Adult, $15 / CTL Member
The grounds will be open for exploration throughout the afternoon, with representatives from Connecticut Landmarks and other local businesses and organizations sharing information, offering themed photo ops, and facilitating activities. Through the break in the hemlock hedge, visitors may enter the garden designed by Lilac Girls heroine Caroline Ferriday and her mother Eliza. Staff will be on hand to answer questions about the garden’s care.
12:15 pm–1:00 pm • Tour “The Hay” with Martha Hall Kelly• $35 / Adult, $25 / CTL Member
Site administrator Peg Shimer and author Martha Hall Kelly take guests on a special house tour to point out some of Caroline’s favorite places in the summer home her family called “The Hay.” Martha Hall Kelly will reminisce about the first time she visited the property in 2000, and the many memories she’s made there since.
1:00–1:30 pm • Book Signings in Caroline’s Playhouse • Included with All Ticket Types
Nestled in a quiet corner of the property is a charming playhouse, a childhood retreat of Caroline Ferriday’s. Inside, Martha Hall Kelly will be signing your copies of Lilac Girls, Lost Roses, Sunflower Sisters, and more. Books will be available for purchase. House Tour ticket holders will receive priority access.
2:00 pm–3:00 pm • Tea in the Bellamy-Ferriday Kitchen• $75 / Adult, $70 / CTL Member
Tea and conversation will both be flowing in the kitchen where Caroline Ferriday gathered with the ladies of Ravensbrück in 1958. The Penny Farthing Tea Room and Bakery will provide light refreshments to share with friends old and new – including Martha Hall Kelly. As the afternoon draws to a close, raise a glass in celebration of 10 years of Lilac Girls.
1:00–1:30 pm • Book Signings in Caroline’s Playhouse • Included with All Ticket Types
Those who have not yet had their books signed may visit Caroline’s Playhouse before bidding the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden adieu! Tea ticket holders will receive priority access.
Tickets will be available exclusively to CTL Members beginning at 10 am on Bastille Day — Tuesday, July 14. Remaining tickets will be available to the general public at 10 am on Tuesday, July 28.
Not yet a Connecticut Landmarks Member? Join today to access all the benefits of membership!
To access Member pricing:
- Sign in to our ticketing system with the account linked to your membership.
- Once signed in, enter your desired number of each ticket type in the standard ticket fields.
- Click the “Register” button and add your information. The prices on this page will remain the same, and the member’s discount will automatically be applied at checkout on the last page.
- Click the “Add to Cart” button and check out.
Tickets for this event are very limited, and we anticipate that they will sell out. If you’d like to be added to our e-newsletter mailing list to receive alerts when tickets go on sale, sign up here!
Proceeds support the continuing preservation of the Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden, the longtime summer home of Caroline Ferriday and her family before her.
Please dress for the weather, as portions of this program take place outdoors. In case of modifications due to severe weather, registrants will be notified at the email address on file.
Full event details available here.
If you have any questions, please contact bellamy.ferriday@ctlandmarks.org or call (203) 266-7596.
CTL Members, sign in to our ticketing site to access your benefits.
