2002 Colonial-themed Gala to Benefit AIHA

Celebrate ‘An 18^th Century Evening’

In Honor of YOUNG AMERICA

The Trustees of the Albany Institute of History & Art request the honor of your presence at a Colonial-themed ‘18^th Century Evening’ black-tie reception celebrating the opening of Young America on Saturday evening, March 16, 2002 from 7:00 – 11:00 o’clock.

YOUNG AMERICA: Treasures from the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the third traveling exhibition at the Albany Institute of History & Art since its grand re-opening in September 2001, presents more than 50 major paintings and sculptures that trace the transformation of the colonies into nationhood.

The menu and entertainment for the evening will reflect Colonial fare and amusements.  Guests will be greeted by militiamen from the 1^st New York Regiment in full regalia and invited to visit the Rice Arms Tavern, view the 18^th and 19^th century treasures from the Smithsonian, sample Colonial treats before the light supper buffet, browse the 18^th century marketplace and enjoy one of the many period performances.

“All of us are looking forward to the gala,” said Christine M. Miles, director. “The colonial foods, entertainments and liquid refreshment will transport our guests back to the early years of our nation!  I am especially looking forward to the colonial tavern setting---including the tavern singers!”

Period performances will be scheduled throughout the evening and include: 

Glass Armonica recital by Alisa Nakashian-Holsberg – Invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761, the Armonica is a series of rotating glass bowls mounted on a horizontal spindle.  Moistened fingertips on the edges of the revolving crystal bowls create unusual, almost haunting, harmonies and harmonic overtones.

The Art of the Silhouette Cutter – Pamela Dalton's Scherenschnitte is created in the tradition of early American paper cutting popular in Pennsylvania Dutch regions in the early nineteenth century.  Using a ‘camera obscura,’ Ms. Dalton will capture guests’ profiles, cut from a single piece of paper for a small fee.

The Delicate Sounds of the Harpsichord – Join Robert Conant of Greenfield Center, NY for his performance of period favorites.  Mr. Conant has an illustrious career as recitalist, lecturer, recording artist, professor and founder of the annual Festival of Baroque Music.  

The Anecdotes of the 18th Century Doctor – Stuart Lehman, Colonial physician, brings to life the theories and practices of 18th century medicine. From herbs and medicines to bloodletting leeches and surgical tools, guests will be invited to learn the techniques used from the Saratoga Battlefield to the Schuyler Mansion.

Tavern Singers – Join Rural Felicity, of the 13^th Albany County Militia, for period soldier’s tunes, drinking songs, ballads of unrequited love and dance melodies, with accompanying guitar, tin whistles, recorders, Bodhran (Irish drum), fife and drum in the Rice Arms Tavern.

Mr. Bayly, Colonial Conjurer – Robert Olsen of Putnam, CT will transform himself into the historic figure, Mr. Bayly, an English magician who traveled throughout the colonies from 1760-1780. Enjoy the showman at his best; laughter and mystification await guests.

The menu for the evening will reflect Colonial epicurean centers and tavern fare.  Delicacies will include:  Abigail's Molasses baked beans, King George's Turkey with Cornbread and Sage Dressing and Paul Revere's Clam Fritters (New England Colonies); Prime Rib of Beef in the Van Buren Style, Saratoga Scalloped Potatoes and Mother Ann Lee's Warm Deep Dish Apple Pie Accompanied by Sliced Cheddar Cheese (Colonial New York); Betsy’s Apple and Nut Stuffed Pork Loin with Raspberry Brandy Sauce, Moravian Red Potato and Bacon Salad and Petite Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes (Mid-Atlantic Colonies); and Virginia Ham with Biscuits and Corn Muffins, Macaroni and Cheese Pudding a la Monticello and Sally's Sweet Potato Tarts (Southern Colonies.)  The Rice Arms Tavern will feature assorted savories and offer a scheduled tasting of Port and Madeira at 10:00 o’clock.

A brief presentation during the course of the evening will highlight Honorary Chair Nancy L. Hodes’ years of service to the Albany Institute Board of Trustees. “ As Board Chair since1999, Nancy has provided outstanding leadership as the Institute has transformed itself into a state of the art museum,” said Ms. Miles. “Over the past decade, as a member of the Board, Nancy’s dedication and involvement has extended to all areas of planning, fundraising and development -- and she continues to play a pivotal role as the Albany Institute moves into the 21^st century.”    

Tickets are available from the Albany Institute of History & Art for $150. For information, please contact the Reservation Hotline at 518.463.5502 x470.