January with Jane: A Jane Austen Tea & Tour

January with Jane: A Jane Austen Tea & Tour

Calling all lovers of Jane Austen, Bridgerton, and Patrick O’Brian novels!

At first glance, nineteenth century Falmouth would seem totally unlike the genteel English society portrayed by Jane Austen. Here on Cape Cod, rugged farmers and sailors struggled to survive, while cannonballs flew and fortunes were lost at sea. Surely these hardscrabble characters have nothing in common with the refined and well-mannered inhabitants of Pemberley or Mansfield Park.

Austen herself teaches us that first impressions can be deceiving.

Join us for a tea and house tour on Sunday, January 12, where we will reveal some surprising similarities between Jane Austen’s world and that of Falmouth in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.

War and revolution, the rise of industry, and empire-building were the large, dramatic events of the age. These forces are present in the background of Austen’s intimate domestic scenes. You’ll learn how these same forces affected daily life in Falmouth as well.

Moreover, Jane Austen’s insights into human behavior are universal. As we walk through the rooms of the 1790 Francis Wicks house, we’ll point out a number of uncanny parallels between the predicaments her characters faced and similar challenges faced by actual Falmouth residents. You’ll hear about issues of female inheritance, rocky courtships, and social hierarchy, and trends in the literature and fashion of the time.

In addition to the house tour, tea will be served in the cultural center. Bonnets, gloves, and calling cards are permissible, but not required.

• 1pm tour of the Wicks House comparing and contrasting Austen’s characters to Falmouth figures. 15 people
• 2pm Austen Tea and Trivia. 30 people
• 3pm tour of Wicks House for second group. 15 people

$75/$60 Museum Members - Timed Registration Required for either the 1pm or 2pm time slot.

1pm - Tour and then Tea & Trivia

2pm - Tea & Trivia and then 3pm Tour

Host or Publisher Falmouth Museums on the Green