"There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."- Henry James

As most of you know, the Gaston County Museum resides in the historic Hoffman Hotel. Built by Daniel Hoffman in 1852, the hotel served people throughout Gaston County who were traveling to the Dallas Square for the county court. The hotel was a place for travelers to rest, businessmen to meet and elegant ladies to be seen.

In our programming we try to illustrate some of the refinement that would have been a part of one’s experience at the hotel. We try to better understand the division between the social classes during the 1800's and what expectations individuals had for one another. Social etiquette was used as a barometer to separate the elite social classes from the general public. Anyone that wanted to be seen as part of the elite class needed to know the proper protocol (as well as have the right appearance and wealth) to be included among their ranks. The Hoffman Hotel would have been a place for people to showcase their elegance and style as they worked to impress their neighbors and their social betters.

One activity we do at the museum to examine some high society fair is the Victorian Christmas Tea. On December the 7^th at 1:00pm participants will partake in a tea party complete with fresh brewed tea or hot cocoa, pastries, and other savory offerings. The museum will be decorated for Christmas and our staff will share a brief history on Christmas decorating and celebration practices that would have been popular in Victorian Era, when the Hoffman Hotel would have been the center of social activities in the area.

Admission is $15 per adult and $10 per child. RSVP required by December 2^nd. Please contact Jason Luker at 704-922-7681 x105 or Jason.luker@gastongov.com.