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! 2025 marked the 250th Anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth back in 1775.

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 Thursday, January 15th, 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

Timed Registration Required for either the 1pm or 2pm time slot.

1pm Time slot will be tour and then the 2pm tea, ending at 3pm.

2pm Time slot will be 2pm tea and then 3pm tour, ending at 4pm.

$65 non-member/$30 members of Museums on the Green, and $20 children suggested ages 12+.

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