Bruce Museum to Host Downton Abbey-Themed Fundraiser

An Evening Inspired by Downton Abbey, an elegant fundraiser for the Bruce Museum inspired by the beloved PBS program, will take place in Greenwich on Saturday, February 7, at one of the town’s great estates, the Topping Estate on Round Hill Road. The Downton Abbey theme is sure to be a hit with Museum supporters.

“We always look for new and interesting ways to engage the community with our events, and a Downton Abbey theme seemed right this year,” says Jen Bernstein, the Museum’s special events manager. “It’s such a popular show, and when we toured this incredible mansion right here in Greenwich, we knew we had to do it.”

Possibly the most famous and certainly the best-documented estate in Greenwich, the Topping Estate was designed in 1916 by William B. Tubby for Daniel Grey Reid. Reid commissioned the work as a present for his only child, Rhea, who in 1910 married Henry J. Topping. By 1927 the estate totaled 208 acres. Twenty-three servants lived in the main house, and seven families were housed on the estate. It remains a stunning example of architecture in the grand manner and a reminder of the gracious living that flourished in the United States in the period between the two World Wars, and certainly calls to mind the world of PBS’s Downton Abbey.

The Bruce Museum benefit will feature an elegant cocktail reception and lavish seated dinner, and is co-chaired by Jean Doyen de Montaillou, Michael Kovner and Leah Rukeyser. Period dress is encouraged, formal dress is required. Valet parking will be provided.

To receive an invitation to the fundraiser, contact Jen Bernstein at [email protected] or 203-413-6761, or purchase tickets online at DowntonAbbeyBruceMuseum.eventbrite.com. Space is limited.

The Bruce Museum is grateful to several generous sponsors, and thanks Betteridge, Coppola Tuxedos, Carolyn Dempsey and Carolyn Dempsey Design, Theresa Rogers Matthews, Horseneck Wines & Liquors, Mike McKenna, Kathleen L. Metinko and Jan Rogers Kniffen, Miller Motorcars, Greenwich Magazine/Moffly Media, Parking Productions, Coverly and Homer Rees, Deborah and Alan Simon, Smith Party Rentals, Sophia’s, Stamford Symphony Orchestra, and Kathleen and Robert Whitby. Special thanks go to Carnival Film & Television Limited, David Ogilvy & Associates and Whitman Breed Abbott & Morgan LLC.

Proceeds from the benefit will help support children’s education and scholarship programs at the Bruce Museum.

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