High Tea and Living History
Published May 21, 2012
This past weekend in Gettysburg was certainly a busy one! In addition to the Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival, Outdoor Antique Show, and Gettysburg College Commencement, this past Saturday, May 19th, The Gettysburg Foundation and Eisenhower National Historic Site hosted Mamie’s Tea. This high tea and living history event offered a day of 1950’s culture. Gettysburg resident, Ruthmary McIlhenny, presented her original portrayal of the First Lady, Mamie Eisenhower. A 1950s fashion show delighted guests and brought the `50s to life.
The tea with Mamie featured a delightful menu: traditional cucumber tea sandwiches, along with ham salad on seeded rye, pineapple and walnut cream cheese on wheat and chicken salad on white. The vintage tea menu also includes cranberry scones, orange marmalade, mini cupcakes, fruit tarts and, of course, Mamie’s fudge. Choices of teas included Buckingham Palace, a jasmine infused Earl Grey tea served hot and Berry Berry flavored tea as an iced option.

"Mamie Remembers Gettysburg" image courtesy Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center's Facebook Page
The Gettysburg Foundation’s next high tea event, Caroline’s Tea, will be held on Sunday, June 24th.
About This Event: Spend an afternoon at Caroline’s Tea in the town of Gettysburg. Named for Caroline Rupp, the lady of the house in 1863 during the battle, Caroline’s tea, held in her side yard, will delight with a high tea lunch menu complete with an assortment of tea sandwiches, seasonal scones, gourmet sweets and artisan teas. Also, enjoy the company of the “Ladies of Gettysburg.” This engaging program, presented by living historians portraying Mrs. Rupp and her neighbor, Mrs. Hettie Shriver, will recount the history and experiences of these ladies in the days during the Battle of Gettysburg.
High Tea & History Events continue through September! Click here for complete listings and descriptions of events.
Tickets for the delicious High Tea Lunch and Encounters with History are $26.95 and are available by calling 877-874-2478 or stop by the Historic Rupp House at 451 Baltimore Street or the Ticket Counter at Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center to purchase your tickets.