History comes alive and allows residents to step back in time through various programming and events at the Historic Baker House.
One of those events included the Baker House Vintage Clothing Exhibit, held on Tuesday, which helped remind those in attendance the fashion trends from 1890 and later.
During the program, around 50 patrons were able to view colorful and period dresses designed and worn during that time period. It also featured a Jane Austen exhibit. Guests who attended the show were able to view a live demonstration of the language of the fan.“People love the (programs at The Baker House) because they are unique,” said Jillian Boyar, recreation specialist for the City of Wildwood. “It gives them the chance to immerse themselves in that time in history.”
People can learn more history about the home and the family that lived in it during the Baker House Historical Tours.
The home, 6106 County Road 44A in Wildwood, was built in the late 1800s for Senator David H. Baker, who moved to Florida from Kentucky to serve with the Florida Senate and grow oranges. Three generations of the Baker family lived in the home until 2012. The two-story house was then purchased and preserved by the City of Wildwood to show how life was for the influential family.
The general tours of the home will return from now through April for the 2025 Spring Season. They are held at 10:30 and noon on Thursdays for $15 per person.
Look Vivacious for Victorian Tea
During the Victorian Era, tea was a popular pastime in English homes.
The Historic Baker House will be the venue for a vivacious Victorian teatime during an upcoming event. Guests will be able to enjoy tea at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Feb. 25.
The event will feature tea sandwiches, scones with jam, fruit tarts and varieties of tea.
“The volunteers and docents have an educational portion of the event that teaches them about history and etiquette for the times,” said Boyar.
Registration for the event is required. Tickets for the event are $30 per person.
Meet the Mad Hatter for Teatime
For those who have a knack at solving mysteries, a March event at the house may be of interest.
Guests will get to solve the mystery of which afternoon tea guest killed the father of the host, Annabelle, during The Mad, Mad Hatter’s Murder Mystery Tea Party.
Party goers are encouraged to wear their best tea or best circus performer outfit for the murder mystery, which is a recurring event throughout March.
“The murders just keep happening at The Baker House,” Boyar joked. “People tend to enjoy the setting because the intimate setting gives them a chance to interact with the characters.”
Shows are on March 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 14. The doors for the event open at 4 p.m. and the show starts at 5 p.m.
A high tea style menu will be served during the Tea Party event at 4:30 p.m. Tickets for the event cost $35 per person, which includes dinner.
To purchase tickets for events at The Historic Baker House, visit wildwood-fl.gov or call 352-461-0134.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
