Period Rooms

Step back into a middle-class home of an earlier age. The house is furnished with many of the Orth family’s possessions. The Museum aims to be experiential and uses period seating for visitors. Parlor talks and performances retain the intimacy and casualness of a visit to the home.

Theresa Voelker Orth redecorated when she moved back to the house in 1930. Our records show that the first generation’s furnishings included oak and gilded pieces along with brass beds - reflecting Gilded Age tastes.

There were no photographs of the interior pre-1930s. In restoring the house, the Museum’s consultants augmented the remaining family items with other period pieces similar in taste and time. And, community members contributed their own family heirlooms.

There are items that can be handled and enjoyed, mostly focused on pastimes and entertaining. The staff can crank-up the Victrola, or a pianist may be performing on the 1930 Sohmer baby grand on a Sunday afternoon.

Take a peek at the second floor.