The exhibition explores how people dressed, entertained, and lived during the Federal Period, a time in which America was a new nation and material styles were heavily influenced by the characteristics of excavated Roman ruins.

 

A popular pastime during the Federal period was silhouette and miniature portrait painting. More than 40 are on display in the period rooms at the Read House, with some incorporated into a realistic three-dimensional scene of one person painting another's silhouette. Visitors to the exhibit will also see examples of Federal style clothing, shoes and accessories.

The Federal period (1780-1820) was a time of great craftsmanship in silver and decorative arts. An extensive display of Delaware silver is featured in Celebrating the Federal Period and includes several complete tea services, and more than 30 different creamers, teapots, sugar bowls, ladles and tongs.

The Read House is an historic house museum nationally recognized as a premier example of early Federal architecture. Restored during the 1980s by the Historical Society of Delaware, the house reflects each period of ownership of the house with eight rooms in the Federal style, three in the Colonial Revival style, and a 1 1/2 acre Victorian garden that surrounds the house. The current exhibition, Celebrating the Federal Period, emphasizes the culture of the period in which George Read II occupied the house.

Celebrating the Federal Period will be displayed through November 24, 2000 at the Read House & Gardens, 42 The Strand, historic New Castle, Del. Hours: 10 a.tm to 4 p.m Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 4 p.m Sunday. Admission: $4 adults, $3.50 seniors/student, $2 ages 6-12. For more information, call (302) 322-8411.