Lots of Changes at Buccleuch, Plus Open for Visitors!

Hi – Millie again, thanks for coming back to continue with me on my adventures in the historic Museum at Buccleuch Mansion.

I have been away visiting cousins ‘in the country’ and have recently returned. I was able to get a photo when one of my DAR ladies was arriving at the mansion for more workdays. This photo is me returning from my trip. I hope my cousin will visit soon and you can then meet her too!

Work continues weekly at the Museum house. The ladies have both the first and second floors of the house set-up and ready for visitors. I do enjoy listening to them discuss where to place the furniture and all of the paintings and rugs. The house will soon look like the home I remember, but certainly better! I can’t wait to meet more  ‘visitors,’ or as I like to call them, “company." Tours have been going since late March 2019. Many have never visited the house before and are impressed with everything they see.  Everyone loves to see the markings left by the British troops from the time of the American Revolution.

The DAR ladies lead tours and point out all of the repairs and upgrades that happened during the recent restoration work at the building.  They also discuss the families who lived in the house and a bit on information on the furniture and furnishings. I also heard the ladies pointing to boxes of things and taking ‘pictures.’ I hope to have my ‘picture’ taken again soon and share it with you! Have to scamper for now – they are coming in to do a ‘good cleaning’ before more visitors arrive.  

I guess the house was ‘sagging’ a bit at the seams and looking a bit sad and faded after almost 300 years, and now it stands straight and proud overlooking the Raritan River, just as it did when George Washington visited here in the 1700s. I remember seeing him sitting in an arm chair and enjoying refreshments. I do miss the crumbs that would fall when they served cake and cookies. I heard the DAR ladies talking about a meeting ‘at the Mansion soon’ and I am hoping for some goodies then! I am off to survey more of the changes and update and will report back to you soon.  Until next time!

"Written" by Millie Mouse

Millie's family lived in the mansion from the very beginning of the building. Learn about the story of her life in Colonial America through her observations and adventures as she shares the history of the New Brunswick area with young visitors.