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 6 for $50.
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You do not need to be present to win a raffle prize.
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Be sure to indicate, on each ticket, the number of the raffle prize that you hope to win.
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You may put as many raffle tickets as you wish toward one prize or allocate them to different prizes. If you do not indicate a preferred prize, the committee will allocate the tickets.
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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.
Raffle Item #1
The Green Fairy
All the fixings you need to transport you back to La Belle Époque. A bottle of Grande Absente absinthe, Pontarlier bubble glasses (set of 4), Toulouse-Lautrec gold-plated absinthe spoon, and sugar cubes. And with the book Absinthe Cocktails, you'll learn how to properly mix absinthe like an old pro.
Approximate value: $179. Donated by Michael Duca.
Raffle Item #2
Parlez-vous français?
Do you dream of speaking French on your next visit to Paris, or want an opportunity to brush up your skills? Come take lessons with other like-minded adults at New England’s only French lycée! The International School of Boston, a French Ministry of Education–accredited institution, offers adult evening language classes for every level, from beginner to fluent. The winner will be able to participate in a full-term session in the 2023–2024 academic school year, either in person or online. Bonne chance!
Approximate value: $225. Donated by International School of Boston, https://www.isbos.org/.
Raffle Item #3
Oh là là ... Dior!
You will dazzle with this vintage, silk Christian Dior scarf and upcycled, handmade necklace. Showstoppers!
Approximate value: $450. Donated by the Perring Family.
Raffle Item #4
Back Bay Houses Revealed
Join Tom and Nancy High, creators of Backbayhouses.org, for a 2-hour private walking tour (for up to 8 people) of the residential portion of the Back Bay at a mutually agreed-upon date. The Highs will design a tour around the winner's interests. Possible topics include architects and their designs; homes of well-known authors, artists, and political leaders; or Back Bay’s evolution over time. You could also choose a specific block and explore its history in depth.
Approximate value: $350. Donated by Nancy and Thomas High.
Raffle Item #5
Big Nights Out
Why have one night out when you can have two? This culture package includes 2 tickets to a 2023–2024 season production at The Huntington as well as a $100 gift certificate for tickets to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Pops, or Tanglewood. Go out for dinner before the show with a $100 gift certificate to La Voile on Newbury Street. What a night!
Approximate value: $438. Donated by the Huntington Theatre, Carter Jackson, and Friends of the Gibson House.
Raffle Item #6
Meet Me at la Bibliothèque
Enjoy the breathtaking renovation at the French Library with a one-year family membership. Enjoy the collection, the events, children’s programs, language lessons, and the beautiful building. Toast the occasion with this delicious bottle of Perrier Jouet “Belle Époque” champagne! Vive la France!
Approximate value: $410. Donated by the French Library (https://frenchlibrary.org) and Linda and Todd Gernes.
Raffle Item #7
Walking Among Pharaohs
Professor Peter der Manuelian will give a 1-hour private tour of the Egyptian Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (with free admission) for up to 6 guests OR a tour of the Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East (HMANE) for up to 8 guests. After more than 25 years at the MFA, Peter is now the Barbara Bell Professor of Egyptology at Harvard and Director of the HMANE. He has recently published Walking Among Pharaohs: George Reisner and the Dawn of Modern Egyptology (Oxford University Press, 2023). Tour to be arranged at a mutually agreed upon date in late spring or summer.
Approximate value: $350. Donated by Peter der Manuelian.
Raffle Item #8
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
This master-crafted Old Schwamb Mill mirror will look perfect on your wall. Carved in walnut, the oval frame measures 12 ½” x 13 ½”. This mini-masterpiece was created by David W. Graf, master woodturner. The Old Schwamb Mill is the oldest continuously operating mill site in the United States.
Approximate value: $310. Donated by Edward W. Gordon.
Raffle Item #9
Ballet and Baubles
Enjoy dinner and a night out with 2 tickets to see Boston Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty on June 1, 2023. You'll look extra beautiful wearing this lovely ca. 1910 hematite and
pearl necklace, with silver clasp and measuring 16" long. A $100 gift card to French Quarter is included.
Approximate value: $567. Donated by Jacqueline Blombach and Mary Ethel Grady/Willow
& Urn Antiques.
Raffle Item #10
Bon Appétit!
This gourmet basket is an epicurean tour through the wide world of French gastronomy, featuring French wine from a celebrated region and accoutrements you'd find in a fine French pantry.
Approximate value: $250. Donated by Bacco’s Wine and Cheese.
Raffle Item #11
The Gibsons in a Global World
A Specialty Tour with Curator Meghan Gelardi Holmes
Join the curator of the Gibson House Museum for a private tour (for 4 people) exploring the connections between Boston and other parts of the world through a close examination of the museum’s collections, including artwork and decorative arts. While the Gibson House is a space firmly rooted in Boston, it draws upon the cultural influence of many other places, including East Asia and Europe, and especially Grand Tour stops like Venice and Paris. Date to be agreed upon by the winner and the Gibson House Museum. Wrap up your tour with a champagne toast and delectable French macarons!
Approximate value: Priceless! Donated by Friends of the Gibson House.
Raffle Item #12
Instant French Wine Cellar
You can never have too much French wine. Mais, oui! Start or expand your wine cellar with these standout French wines. From Margaux to Meursault, Chateauneuf-du-Pape to Bourgogne, you'll be well stocked. A votre santé!
Approximate value: $320. Donated by Nancy Jane and Sam Duncan.
