Today Kicks Off Open House Weekend at the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum

The Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum kicks off its “Beauty in the Bronx Open House Weekend” today in recognition National Preservation Month.

Today, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Bartow-Pell will celebrate its ongoing first “First Friday!” program with a performance by by Irish folk singer and musician Mary Courtney. Courtney, who is a native of Castlegregory in County Kerry, Ireland who now makes her home in the Bronx.  In addition to singing traditional Irish music, Courtney will play the guitar and the bodhrán, a traditional Irish hand-held drum.

In addition to Courtney’s music, visitors will be able to enjoy the mansion’s garden at night. Light refreshments will also be available. The event costs $8 for adults; $5 for seniors and students; and is free for members. The free Bronx Seaside Trolley will make a continuous loop from the #6 Pelham Bay Park subway station to BPMM to City Island.

There will also a be a slew of free event to enjoy at the mansion on Saturday and Sunday.

The schedule of programs is as follows:

Saturday, May 5
Mansion and Garden Tours                   11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Bronx Seaside Trolley                          11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
19th-Century Toys and Games             11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Owls and Falcons and Skunks, Oh My!   1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Kentucky Derby Fundraiser                   5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 6
Mansion and Garden Tours                  12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Bronx Seaside Trolley                         12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
19th-Century Toys and Games            12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Urban Park Ranger Trail Hikes             12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Cracked Walnuts                                 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

In between activities, visitors can purchase food and dine outside. The free Bronx Seaside Trolley will again run a continuous loop from the #6 Pelham Bay Park subway station to BPMM to the City Island Nautical Museum. Free parking is available at the Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses across from Bartow-Pell.

Registration is requested for all events. To register, call 718-885-1461 or email info@bpmm.org. For directions and to learn more about the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, visit www.bpmm.org.