During our 2026 After Hours: A Victorian Journey to America’s 250th Anniversary series, guests are invited to explore the Peel Museum and Botanical Garden at their own pace on the second Thursday of each month from 5:00–7:00 PM. Tour guides will be stationed throughout the museum to share stories, answer questions, and highlight connections between Victorian life and America’s approaching 250th anniversary. Visitors may also stop by the hands-on craft table to create a free seasonal project inspired by 19th-century traditions. Families are encouraged to complete the themed scavenger hunt during their visit. Once finished, participants can present it at the Museum Store to receive 15% off one item as a thank-you for exploring with us. Each month features a new historical theme, an engaging craft, and an opportunity to connect past and present in a relaxed and welcoming evening setting.

July 9: Midsummer Garden

During summer “Pleasure Garden” gatherings, handheld fans were both practical and expressive. In the late 19th century, fans were sometimes associated with a playful system of silent signals known as the “Language of the Fan.” 
At Victorian garden parties, fans did more than cool the summer air; they added elegance and intrigue. Guests will create a decorative garden fan and discover the whimsical “Language of the Fan,” a popular 1890s parlor amusement that added mystery to summer socials. 

FREE | No registration required

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Small Space Gardening 101

While After Hours admission is free, this class requires separate registration.

Discover how to grow more than you think—no backyard required. Small Space Gardening 101 at Peel Museum & Botanical Garden is an introductory class designed for beginners, apartment dwellers, and anyone working with patios, balconies, or compact yards.

Participants will learn the basics of container gardening, soil selection, sunlight, and plant choices that thrive in limited spaces. Whether you’re interested in growing herbs, flowers, or a few favorite vegetables, this class offers practical tips and simple strategies to help you garden confidently and successfully in any small space!

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FREE Beverages and Andy’s Ice Cream will be available for all participants that evening!

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During our 2026 After Hours: A Victorian Journey to America’s 250th Anniversary series, guests are invited to explore the Peel Museum and Botanical Garden at their own pace on the second Thursday of each month from 5:00–7:00 PM. Tour guides will be stationed throughout the museum to share stories, answer questions, and highlight connections between Victorian life and America’s approaching 250th anniversary. Visitors may also stop by the hands-on craft table to create a free seasonal project inspired by 19th-century traditions. Families are encouraged to complete the themed scavenger hunt during their visit. Once finished, participants can present it at the Museum Store to receive 15% off one item as a thank-you for exploring with us. Each month features a new historical theme, an engaging craft, and an opportunity to connect past and present in a relaxed and welcoming evening setting.

June 11: Prelude to the 250th

Victorian towns celebrated Independence Day with “Grand Illuminations,” lighting streets with lanterns and candlelight displays. As we begin our journey toward America’s 250th Anniversary, guests will create a classic paper Liberty Lantern inspired by 19th-century Independence Day celebrations. In the Victorian era, towns glowed with candlelight and patriotic displays. Our Liberty Lantern honors that festive spirit of illumination and national pride.

FREE | No registration required

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Date Nights in the Garden (BYOV) (Ticketed Experience)

While After Hours admission is free, this class requires separate registration.

Bring your favorite vase and your favorite person for a charming Bring Your Own Vase (BYOV) Date Night in the Garden at Peel’s Botanical Garden!

$30 per couple (You only need to register one person!)

During this special after-hours experience, couples will enjoy an intimate evening surrounded by the beauty of the Peel Garden while learning about the seasonal flowers currently in bloom. Guided by our knowledgeable horticulture team, you’ll discover the stories, characteristics, and care tips behind the flowers that make the Peel Garden so vibrant. Then, stroll the garden together as you hand-select fresh clippings to create your own custom floral arrangement. Gather blooms and greenery for your vase and take home a beautiful keepsake from a night of creativity and connection. Forgot a vase? No worries—vases will be available for purchase at the program!

The post Prelude to the 250th: June After Hours at the Peel Museum appeared first on Peel Compton Foundation.

During our 2026 After Hours: A Victorian Journey to America’s 250th Anniversary series, guests are invited to explore the Peel Museum and Botanical Garden at their own pace on the second Thursday of each month from 5:00–7:00 PM. Tour guides will be stationed throughout the museum to share stories, answer questions, and highlight connections between Victorian life and America’s approaching 250th anniversary. Visitors may also stop by the hands-on craft table to create a free seasonal project inspired by 19th-century traditions. Families are encouraged to complete the themed scavenger hunt during their visit. Once finished, participants can present it at the Museum Store to receive 15% off one item as a thank-you for exploring with us. Each month features a new historical theme, an engaging craft, and an opportunity to connect past and present in a relaxed and welcoming evening setting.

May 14 Theme: Flowers, Favors & Friendship

In Victorian communities, May Day brought “Garden Socials” and secret acts of kindness. Neighbors crafted small Tussie Mussie paper cone baskets, filled them with blooms or sweets, and quietly hung them on a friend’s doorknob as a surprise gift. The term “tussie mussie” gained popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria, when small bouquets became fashionable tokens of affection. Guests will craft their own May Basket to share, a charming tradition that celebrates kindness, creativity, and community connection.

FREE | No registration required

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Peel in Bloom: A Floral Evening for Mom (Ticketed Experience)

While After Hours admission is free, this class requires separate registration.

Celebrate the special motherly figure in your life with a beautiful evening at Peel After Hours during our Mother’s Day Floral Design Class, held the Thursday following Mother’s Day—because celebrating them isn’t just for one day!

Enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Peel Garden as you learn the art of floral arranging. Participants will be guided through the process of creating a precious, unique arrangement using seasonal blooms inspired by the beauty of the garden—perfect for gifting or keeping as a heartfelt reminder of appreciation and love.

Whether you’re creating something for your mom, grandmother, mentor, or another meaningful figure, this relaxed and creative evening offers a thoughtful way to celebrate them. You’ll leave with a finished arrangement and the skills to recreate the magic at home!

Space is limited for this intimate Peel After Hours experience. Reserve your spot and make something beautiful for someone (or yourself) who means so much!

Complimentary beverages will be available during your class.

Florals may vary from what is pictured

The post Flowers, Favors & Friendship: May After Hours at the Peel Museum appeared first on Peel Compton Foundation.

During our 2026 After Hours: A Victorian Journey to America’s 250th Anniversary series, guests are invited to explore the Peel Museum and Botanical Garden at their own pace on the second Thursday of each month from 5:00–7:00 PM. Tour guides will be stationed throughout the museum to share stories, answer questions, and highlight connections between Victorian life and America’s approaching 250th anniversary. Visitors may also stop by the hands-on craft table to create a free seasonal project inspired by 19th-century traditions. Families are encouraged to complete the themed scavenger hunt during their visit. Once finished, participants can present it at the Museum Store to receive 15% off one item as a thank-you for exploring with us. Each month features a new historical theme, an engaging craft, and an opportunity to connect past and present in a relaxed and welcoming evening setting.

April 9 Theme: Victorian Spring Scraps & Sentiment

Before modern stickers and trading cards, Victorian children collected beautifully printed paper scraps featuring birds, flowers, and pastoral scenes. These colorful die-cuts were traded among friends and carefully pasted into scrapbooks or onto keepsake cards. Guests will create a Victorian-style bookmark using reproduction spring scraps, celebrating the season just as families did in the 1800s. 

FREE | No registration required | RSVP encouraged

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Rose Garden Date Night Workshop (Ticketed Experience)

While After Hours admission is free, this special rose propagation workshop requires separate registration.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening in the Peel rose garden during Peel After Hours, where you and your partner can explore the art and romance of rose propagation in this special date night workshop taking place in April!

$30 per couple | You only need to register one person!

The evening begins with exclusive after-hours access to the gardens and a guided stroll led by our expert horticulturalist and site manager. As the sun sets, you’ll hear stories about the rich history of roses—their symbolism, cultural significance, and the unique role they’ve played at the historic Peel property—while soaking in the beauty of the garden in a more intimate, relaxed setting. Then, roll up your sleeves together for a hands-on experience in the rose garden, learning time-honored propagation techniques. Each couple will graft and start their own rose cutting from the Peel rose garden collection to take home.

Space is limited for this experience. Reserve your spot and plant the seeds for a special evening!

Complimentary beverages will be available during your date.

Roses may vary from what is pictured

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