Dec 2019 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
2019 marked the beginning of a renaissance for the Harwelden Mansion. When we embarked on this journey by way of purchasing the Mansion from AHHA a little over two years ago, we didn’t expect the high level of participation that we would receive from the community. We were also astonished by the numbers…the thousands of visitors whom have walked through our notable front vestibule in a relatively short period of time.
After an extensive and historic renovation, we opened our doors in June 2019. These 6 months of operations have given us an opportunity to share the Mansion’s history, honor the original family; the Harwells, and continue telling a part of Tulsa’s incredible story. We have developed a unique operating model consisting of our own distinct programming coupled with rentable space available for events such as weddings, parties, receptions, photo shoots, business meetings or musical performances.
Please join us in looking back at this marvelous year! See you in 2020!
Sincerely,
The Harwelden Mansion Team
DESIGNER SHOWCASE
Prior to our June opening, we had the opportunity to partner with and be the host site of the 46th Annual Tulsa Designer Showcase, the signature fundraiser for the Foundation for Tulsa Schools. Harwelden Mansion welcomed nearly 50 interior designers, ready to honor the Harwell Family legacy and show off the 1923 English Tudor Mansion. The Foundation for Tulsa Schools has reported it was their largest in attendance and the most successful in fundraising to date.
HERITAGE SOCIETY OF TULSA
In 2020, the operations and programming of the Harwelden Mansion will be overseen by the 501c3, Heritage Society of Tulsa. This newly-formed public charity aligns with the future plans and use of the mansion, allowing the facility to educate and inspire. The mission of The Heritage Society of Tulsa is to research, preserve and share Tulsa’s rich history in a manner that honors the past, builds a bridge between generations and leaves a legacy for the future.
AFTERNOON TEA AT THE MANSION
Oh, what an adventure Afternoon Tea has been! An absolute first for us and many of our guests, together we have learned the proper way to enjoy English Tea! To enjoy the little English finger sandwiches, scones and sweets and our extensive collection of vintage fine-bona China teacups that delight our guests! Because of its popularity, Afternoon Tea at The Mansion will now be held every first Tuesday of each month. We hope you decide to join this tradition with us and enjoy the (English) Mansion Life! Learn more here.
LEON RUSSELL: IN HIS OWN WORDS BOOK SIGNING EXPERIENCE
2019 was a year of firsts for the mansion. In November, we hosted our first book signing, a sold out event. Co-sponsored by the historic The Church Studio, this wonderful event featured a meet and greet of the editorial team behind “Leon Russell, In His Own Words;” Steve Todoroff and John Wooley. Leon Russell songs played in the background provided by Leon’s friend and fellow pianist, Spencer Sutton. Guests enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres while they laughed, cried and reminisced. The evening ended with a sweet sing-a-long.
HISTORIC TOURS
Mansion Tours are a big hit at the mansion. Ever other Thursday, the public can enjoy tours of the mansion, grounds and carriage house. The walking tours end with a proper cup of English Tea and cookies. Guests learn about the Mansion’s history, the Harwell family, architecture, renovations and the Mansion’s programming. Staff and volunteer docents lead the tour. Learn more here.
VOLUNTEERS
The management team of Harwelden Mansion developed a volunteer program in 2019. Not knowing what to expect, we were thrilled to take on several. Through lots of dreaming and brainstorming, 2019 would not have been possible without the help and support of our dedicated volunteers! We are so thankful to have them be part of our team! If you enjoy history and enjoy teaching others, becoming a Harwelden Mansion volunteer could be in your future! Learn more here.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
The Harwelden Mansion is proud to support our community! Charitable contributions, gifts, and donations were made to the following organizations in 2019:
- The Church Studio Music Foundation
Susan G. Komen Foundation
The Gathering Place
Community HigherEd
Tulsa Ballet
AHHA
Foundation for Tulsa Schools
Oklahoma Magazine
Tulsa Tourism
Oklahoma Film + Music Office
Resonance Center for Women
MOJOFest
Maple Ridge Neighborhood Association
JANUARY AFTERNOON TEA AT THE MANSION – JANUARY 7
BUY TICKETS
MANSION TOURS – JANUARY 16, 10AM & 2PM
BUY TICKETS
MANSION TOURS – JANUARY 30, 10AM & 2PM
BUY TICKETS
FEBRUARY AFTERNOON TEA AT THE MANSION – FEBRUARY 4
BUY TICKETS
Share this entry
RECENT POSTS
Archives
Tags