Victorian Christmas at the Banning Museum

Outside view of the Banning House (https://www.banningmuseum.org)

The Banning House was built in 1864 by Phineas Banning who was the founder of the city of Wilmington and also known as“the Father of the Port of Los Angeles”. The House and the rest for the property which includes a stagecoach barn, a garden, and 27 acres of land were given to the City of Los Angeles. The 27 room two-story main house was exquisite, it had beautiful woodwork mantles ( the house itself is made of redwood) and the museum had the family silver and china set out for Christmas dinner. The library was filled with books and the main family areas boosted two pianos and an organ. The surm had on display made of the family’s items including clothing on mannequins to give guests an idea of how the house would be lived in.

Family living room inside decorated for Christmas

(www.banningmuseum.org)

I went to the Banning House for their annual Victorian Christmas which was marvelous. They had the museum open as well as vendors, children activities such as pictures with Santa, as well as a horse-drawn carriage ride to the nearby Drum Barracks which I have been too before. The house was decorated to the nines and the docents were very helpful and informative.

I wore a 1860s ballgown made from Truely Victorian Pattern 442 (1860s Ballgown Bodice) with a self-drafted skirt. The ensemble is made from “Black Cherry” silk taffeta from Silk Baron and black cotton lace from OneStopTrims on Etsy. My hairpieces are made by me from holly garlands from Joanns and if you care to know I am wearing the “Vienna Boots” from American Duchess.

Close up of the ensemble in the Banning Barn pointing at a mid-century Victorian buggy that I want for Christmas

Overall a great first visit to the Banning Museum. I have included the Banning Museum’s site below if you would like to check it out for yourself.