The People
Between 1859 and 1954, three generations of Gibson family members and dozens of servants lived and worked at 137 Beacon Street. In many ways, their experiences are typical of individuals of their particular gender and social class. And yet, their unique stories allow us to explore this period of Boston’s history through a distinctly personal lens.
Click below to learn more about who lived at 137 Beacon.
The People
Between 1859 and 1954, three generations of Gibson family members and dozens of servants lived and worked at 137 Beacon Street. In many ways, their experiences are typical of individuals of their particular gender and social class. And yet, their unique stories allow us to explore this period of Boston’s history through a distinctly personal lens.
Click below to learn more about who lived at 137 Beacon.
Raffle Ticket Instructions and Information
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Tickets are $10 each or six for $50.
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Be sure to indicate the numbers of the raffle prizes that you hope to win, in the "Donor Notes" box on the form.
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Prizes may be subject to change, and some restrictions may apply.
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Prizes may be subject to taxation.
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You can also purchase tickets by check (indicate the raffle # on the check) and send to:









Raffle Item #1
There Are Treasures Around Every Corner
History, art, a peaceful sanctuary for reading and working, and many literary and cultural events will be at your fingertips with this one-year family membership (two adults and any children ages 22 years or younger) to the Boston Athenaeum. Founded in 1807, the Athenaeum is one of America’s oldest and most distinguished independent libraries and cultural institutions.
Approximate value $590. Donated by the Boston Athenaeum
Raffle Item #2
Ascending Peculiarity
The Edward Gorey House celebrates and preserves the life and works of Edward Gorey. This Family membership package for the Edward Gorey House and Museum includes 2025 exhibition pamphlets, 2026 exhibition pamphlet, Gorey-esque temporary tattoos, commemorative pins, stickers, and an Edward Gorey House bookplate. Includes a $60 gift certificate to Jack’s Outback Restaurant in Yarmouthport, Mr. Gorey’s favorite breakfast spot.
Approximate value $160. Donated by The Edward Gorey House and Museum and Frances Duffly
Raffle Item #3
Conservation Confidential
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s new Conservation Center that features six conservation labs, including paintings, furniture, and scientific research. You and six friends will learn about the intersection of art and science and the range of the lab’s activities from experts who care for the Museum’s global collections.
Approximate value $500. Donated by Anonymous
Raffle Item #4
La Voile au Vent
Gift certificate to La Voile (the sail) an authentic and popular French brasserie located on Newbury Street. Bon appétit!
Approximate value $140. Donated by a Friend of the Gibson House
Raffle Item #5
A Holiday Tradition
A gift certificate for a beautiful custom-decorated wreath. This holiday tradition will be created just for you by a talented member of the Garden Club of the Back Bay. Can’t wait for December? This package includes a bottle of Aubert et Fils Brut Champagne and a copy of Hot Victorians: Meet Your Dream Man from the Past, by Aaron Radford-Wattley. It’s a brazen celebration of the finest men from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Drink and Dream!
Approximate value $240. Donated by The Garden Club of the Back Bay and Lauren Thomas
Raffle Item #6
Walking Among Pharaohs
A one-hour private tour of the Egyptian Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (with free admission) for up to six people OR a tour of the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East for up to eight people with Peter Der Manuelian. After more than 25 years at the MFA, Peter is now Harvard’s Barbara Bell Professor of Egyptology and Director of the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East. Tour to be arranged at a mutually agreed-upon date in May, June, or July 2026. In addition to the tour, your prize includes a copy of Professor Manuelian’s book: 30-Second Ancient Egypt.
Approximate value $500. Donated by Peter Der Manuelian
Raffle Item #7
Art Deco Dress Clips
Add bling to your collar, lapel, or handbag with these two antique dress clips, popular during the Roaring ’20s. Hotsy-Totsy!
Approximate value $400. Donated by Frances Duffly
Raffle Item #8
Fifty Years of Art in Bloom
Experience “Art in Bloom” at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the beloved annual event that marks the beginning of spring in Boston. Art in Bloom showcases the expertise of New England garden clubs, professional designers, and MFA floral volunteers, who create interpretive arrangements inspired by artworks. Enjoy dozens of bold arrangements throughout the museum along with the special exhibition “Framing Nature: Gardens and Imagination.” In addition to your four tickets, this item includes an exhibition catalogue and unique flower-themed merchandise.
Approximate value $225. Donated by Anonymous
Raffle Item #9
Literature, Culture, Art, & Ideas
You and a friend will enjoy a private tour of the Boston Athenaeum, a unique combination of library, museum, and cultural center in a magnificent landmark building. The tour of this local treasure will be followed by lunch at Folio Restaurant. This raffle item also includes a fascinating interactive book, Ship of Theseus (also referred to as “S” ) by J.J. Abrams and Doug Dorst, complete with notes, inclusions, and a handsome case.
Approximate value $400. Donated by Lynn Smiledge
Raffle Item #10
A Pop-up Book for Grownups
Alphabet in Motion: How Letters Get Their Shape, by Kelli Anderson. Ever wonder how we ended up with so many different styles of letters? Featuring 17 stunning interactive pop-ups, this ABC book explains—and demonstrates—the technologies and philosophies that have shaped letterforms through the ages. A reader and a looker, this one is a remarkable contribution to our history—and to the printing and engineering of books. Included with the book are five custom-made book plates, to be designed collaboratively by you and the artist Gail Gardner.
Approximate value $285. Donated by Jack Glassman and Gail Gardner
Raffle Item #11
Bon Appétit!
“Exceptional goods sourced from extraordinary producers.” This bountiful gourmet gift basket is chock full of wine and other delectable goodies so you can have a whole lot of fun!
Approximate value $280 Donated by Bacco's Wine + Cheese
Raffle Item #12
Are You a Lady of Mystery?
“Demura” is the name of this glamorous veiled black hat, perfect for any Edward Gorey Lady of Mystery. For best effect, wear “Demura” at an angle with its rakish feather down. May be exchanged for another hat of equal or lesser value at Salmagundi, 765 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain.
Approximate value: $268. Donated by Salmagundi, Boston




Raffle Item #13
Instant Wine Cellar
A perennial favorite at our raffle table. You can build your wine cellar
with these six bottles of BIG California Cabernet wine—all exceptional wines curated by an expert. Cheers!
Approximate value $360. Donated by Sam and Nancy Jane Duncan.

