Manchester Historical Museum Celebrates 125^th Year by Raffling a “Captain’s Table” Dinner for 10 at the Historic Trask House.

The Manchester Historical Museum is celebrating its 125^th anniversary by raffling off an elegant “Captain’s Table” dinner for 10 people at the Trask House, catered by Tim Hopkins Catering of Essex.  The lucky winner will be able to coordinate directly with Tim Hopkins Catering to establish the date, menu, and tone of the evening, whether it is a special occasion dinner or just a reason to bring friends and family together in this beautiful historic setting in Manchester-by-the-Sea.

The Manchester Historical Society (name changed to Manchester Historical Museum in 2011) was incorporated in 1896 “to collect and preserve such objects as may illustrate the local history of the Town of Manchester and to establish a library and museum in which such treasures shall be deposited and kept.”  After a long effort to establish a home of its own, the Society purchased the Trask House on Union Stree tin 1925.  This town landmark is named after Abigail Hooper Trask, who built the original house in 1823, the same year she married prominent merchant marine Captain Richard Trask.  Today, the Trask House contains an impressive collection of period furniture and local artifacts as well as an extensive archive of photographs and printed material.  It also serves as a convenient venue for educational programs and special events, such as the “Captain’s Table” dinner.

“The purpose of the dinner raffle is twofold,” said Museum board member Beth Davis, who organized the raffle. “First, we want to incorporate something special into our yearly fundraiser to celebrate our 125^th year; and second, we hope to raise people’s awareness of the Trask House Museum, its offerings, and the fact that the public can take advantage of this wonderful space for small parties, dinners, or business-related functions.”

The raffle tickets will be on sale from December 8^th until the end of January.  The drawing will take place on Wednesday, February 1^st, at the Museum’s first special evening program of 2012.  In keeping with the 125^th anniversary theme, raffle tickets are $125 each and only 125 tickets will be sold.  Anyone interested in purchasing a ticket can stop into the Trask House during Museum hours Tuesday through Friday from 9am to 2pm or contact a Museum board member.  For more information about the raffle, please call (978) 526-7230 during regular Museum hours.