“What are we doing today, mom?”
Before I can take a sip of coffee and pull my hair up into a top knot, my little brown-eyed girl is wondering what adventure we will go on today. But I have an answer ready for her. “We are going on a treasure hunt” I reply, “and not just any old treasure hunt. This one is in a mansion! A truly spectacular home where the famous Congdon family once lived. There are old carriages, beautiful gardens, fancy artwork, antique furniture, and amazing fabrics adorning the walls and windows of the estate. There are hidden treasures in the library, bedrooms, and the game room–just to name a few–and you get to find them all!”
One of my favorite things to do is to share my love for the beautiful, historical Glensheen estate with my children. Growing up, I would visit the mansion and dream of what it was like living as the Congdon family did in the home. I would stand on the terrace as a young girl, listen to the waves hitting the shore, and tell my mom that I would one day live near this magical place.
Our friends at the Glensheen put together the coolest treasure book that kids can use during tours. It’s just the thing to encourage them to both keep busy while touring the historic home and to learn a little about the history as they wander the rooms and halls. The treasure book is offered to mansion visitors for a dollar, and it compliments the self-guided tour nicely.
On the front page of the treasure book, kids are greeted by Tim the Fox. (Fun fact: Tim was the name of the Congdon family’s dog.)
The book is laid out with simple facts about every room and things to find in an “I spy” sort of fashion. There many treasures to find, like the little gold stars that grace the hands of the clock in Chester’s room and a doll named Evangeline whose hair was made from real angora goat hair.
Once you finish the tour, you can take your book to the gift shop to get it stamped.
The next time your children ask you, “What are we doing today?” consider taking them on a treasure hunt at the Glensheen.