Events
Riverview at Hobson Grove hosts several public and private events throughout the year. Please contact (270) 843-5565 to verify fees, dates, and times and to make reservations.
Timeless Manners for Children
The Timeless Manners Committee conducts a four week Timeless Manners class for second, third, and fourth grade children on Sunday afternoons during mid-January through February. Participants will learn about basic etiquette including introductions, table setting, dining etiquette, telephone etiquette, the importance of thank-you notes, and more. The classes will culminate with a special meal where the participants will be able to practice all they have learned.
Victorian Valentine Tea and Tour
Every February, Riverview hosts a Victorian Valentine tea in celebration of this early spring holiday. A program about the history and traditions of Valentines Day is presented to interested participants along with a small exhibit of Victorian Valentines. Visitors can tour the house after the program.
Easter Egg Hunt
Riverview continues the age-old tradition of the Easter Egg Hunt on a Saturday afternoon before Easter. Children through the second grade hunt for their share of the 1,000 Easter Eggs hidden throughout the yard. Don't forgetyour basket!
Victorian Antique and Garden Festival
Stroll the lawn and enjoy the beautiful flowers in May by attending the Victorian Antique and Garden Festival on the grounds of the historic house museum. Shoppers will be able to visit an eclectic variety of booths displaying unique accessories for home and garden, seasonal plants, annuals, and perennials, and Kentucky primitives and antiques. In addition to visiting the booths, musical performances and free lectures are held throughout the day. Admission to the event is free and open to the public. The house is also open for tours during the day.
Victorian Holiday Tours
Starting the Tuesday before Thanksgiving until Christmas, visitors to Riverview are transported back in time to Christmas 1890 in the setting of Atwood and Julia Hobson's three-story Italianate home. Inside the doors, one can enjoy the sights of natural and hand-made decorations including paper roses. The parlor is outfitted with the 19th century holiday rage: the quaint and breath-taking Christmas tree, complete with antique decorations and toys. The table is set for holiday guests in the elegant Dining Room with special Victorian decorations.
Throughout the house, visitors will learn of Victorian Christmas customs such as the "Cobweb Party," the "Wonder Ball," and the "Blind Man's Stocking", and how many of our modern traditions stem from 19th century ideas. All tours are fully guided to insure a memorable experience.
Candlelight Tour
One weekend each year during the holiday season, Riverview is open to the public at night. Experience the sights, sounds and fragrances of a Victorian Christmas as you tour the house by candlelight and lamplight. Throughout the house, visitors will learn of Victorian Christmas customs while seeing them through the eyes of times past by candlelight.
Victorian Holiday Teas and Tours
Each year during the Christmas season, Riverview hosts special teas and tours in celebration of the holidays. The house is decorated with traditional Victorian decorations including the newly traditionally Christmas tree. Enjoy the sights of Riverview decorated for the holiday season through a special guided tour after enjoying a holiday tea.
*Note that Riverview is located in the Central Time Zone.
Private Events
Historic Riverview at Hobson Grove is available for use by the community for various purposes as approved by the Hobson House Commission. However, the mission of Riverview as an historic museum, seeking to preserve the property and educate visitors about the Victorian era and lifestyle, shall always be the first priority. Appropriate rental functions may consist of weddings, receptions, teas, picnics, wedding or baby showers, birthday or anniversary celebrations and professional photography sittings.
Indoor functions are limited to the public areas in the basement. No food is allowed on the upper floors of the House. Guests will only be allowed upstairs as part of a tour accompanied by a docent or the Director. Outdoor events should always be planned with an alternate location in case of inclement weather. Please contact the Director at (270) 843-5565 regarding rental policies and applications.