Annual Victorian Chautauqua May 17-18

The 16th Annual Arts, Crafts, Garden, & Antique Festival "A Victorian Chautauqua" will be held at the Howard Steamboat Museum, Jeffersonville, Indiana, May 17 & 18, 2008.

“A Victorian Chautauqua”, a family oriented festival featuring quality arts and crafts booths, entertainment, a large herb & perennial sale, Carriage House Antique Sales, food, book signings, and mansion tours will take place on Saturday & Sunday May 17th & 18th at the Howard Steamboat Museum, 1101 E. Market Street, Jeffersonville, Indiana (I-65, Exit 0).

"We are Celebrating 50 Golden Years 1958-2008 on May 18, said museum curator Yvonne Knight." Loretta Howard, widow of Capt. Jim Howard, opened the doors of the family home as a Museum where people could learn about the history of the Great Steamboat era and the part the Howard family and their Shipyards played in that story.

On Sunday May 18, 2008 special activities during the festival will commemorate that May 18th day in 1958. Jeffersonville Mayor Tom Galligan will proclaim May 18th as Howard Steamboat Museum Day. To commemorate this historic occasion, the U.S. Postal Service will be on hand with a special one-time only Howard Steamboat Museum 50th Anniversary Station Cancellation at 2 p.m. Sunday. A Victorian Chautauqua is a fund raising activity for the Museum, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.

Entertainment at the event will include a Hula Hoop & 50s Fashion Contest Contest, Visit by Elvis, Music of the 50s; “50s on Main Street” – an original playlet by local youth, funded in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana Youth Philanthropy Council; an educational garden walk with Sheryl Gilbert of Olde Thyme Log House Gardens and a presentation by Phil Vogt, of the Remnant Trust.

Approximately 80 quality arts & crafts exhibitors will be on hand for this is a juried show. In the mansion you can walk through tours at no extra charge. 12 p.m. to 3p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
The event also includes a Carriage House antique sale by nine meticulously selected antique dealers who will display and sell their wares in this rustic setting.

Snacks and an outdoor Victorian café will be available for guests to enjoy period food.Special this year for children will be a Family Fun Festival to benefit the Clark County Youth Shelter will be held in Port Fulton Park (behind the Museum) – Saturday only mid-way style games, prize give aways, etc.

Times:Saturday May 17th 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.Sunday May 18th 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.Admission:$3.00 (Children 12 & Under free with adult)NO PETS PLEASEParking is free.
The Howard Steamboat Museum is located at 1101 E. Market St. Jeffersonville, Indiana, I-65 – Exit 0.Contact: Yvonne B. Knight at 812-283-3728 or e-mail HSMSTEAM@aol.com.