hunter-dawson state historic site

I have only been to the house during the candlelight tours at Christmas time and I keep going back, year after year. History has been very well preserved and the Christmas decorations are true to the time period, except the white lights on the trees, but that does not take away from the atmosphere. The volunteers are very knowledgeable and are happy to answer any questions that you may have. Cider and cookies are available during the tour and there is no entrance fee for the candlelight tour.

Built around 1860, the mansion was in the same family for nearly a century before it was donated to the town of New Madrid and then became a state historic site. Most of the furniture is original. At Christmas time they open the mansion up for a candle light tour with guides in period costumes. It is especially beautiful with all the Christmas trees inside the house. It is even said to be inhabited by a ghost or two. During the candle light tours, the admission fee is waived.

Sarah, our young tour guide, was very knowledgeable and informative and fun. She not only told us about the family, the furnishings, and the history of the home but also included extras, like letting us smell men's cologne of the period, lift the skirts of dresses on display in one bedroom so we could see the many layers of women's clothing worn in the time period, and told us about the Mitchell-Rammelsberg furniture collection in the home. We spent over one hour touring the home, and enjoyed every minute!