Support Historic Sites While You Shop for the Holidays
A number of the National Trust’s Historic Sites were impacted by the pandemic this year, with most having to close their doors to the public for extended periods. Now that we’re nearing the holiday season, why not support one of your favorite historic sites or museums as you shop online for gifts this year? From prints to hang up in the home, to comfy teas to warm your soul, check out these gifts from our Historic Sites online stores.
For the Home:
If you're looking for items for your home and garden, look no further then Drayton Hall and its extensive collection of home décor. This handmade magnolia wreath feels particularly festive, but these George Edwards prints are perfect for nature lovers and anyone into vintage naturalism. For more options, check out their holiday gift guide.
If you are shopping for someone who loves clean, minimalist look, visit the Glass House’s online shop, which has everything from these octagonal desk lights to these porcelain salt and pepper stones.
Located outside Albuquerque, New Mexico, Acoma Pueblo boasts a gorgeous collection of pottery, including a miniature Acoma pot, a style of pottery distinct to the region and handcrafted by traditional potters of the pueblo. While you’re there, be sure to also check out their jewelry collection!
For Readers
The Farnsworth House offers a variety of books for all ages on architecture and artists, including The Lego Architect by Tom Alphin, which walks readers through the history of architecture via LEGO recreations of each period. If you want to learn more about Farnsworth House, check out Broken Glass: Mies van der Rohe, Edith Farnsworth, and the Fight over a Modernist Masterpiece by Alex Bean.
The Lower East Side Tenement Museum houses an online bookstore that’s over 250 books strong. Browse their collection here, which includes both nonfiction and fiction titles with a special focus on: New York City, Jewish culture and heritage, Irish and Italian culture and heritage, Arab and Muslim culture and heritage, LGBTQIA+ culture and heritage, and the immigrant experience in America.
photo by: Acoma Sky City
The "Traditional Acoma Miniature Pot" available at Acoma Sky City's online shop.
Artists and art lovers will both love the Guide to Historic Artists’ Homes & Studios – A Program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation by Valerie Balint, which was published this year in celebration of the program’s twentieth anniversary. The first guidebook of its kind, Balint explores the artists that inspired the preservation of these sites—including Andrew Wyeth, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, Winslow Homer, and more. You can purchase that book, and some reproductions of Daniel Chester French's famous sculptures from Chesterwood's online store.
For Foodies
For a more traditional holiday gift, check out James Madison’s Montpelier’s collection of teas, coffees, preserves, jellies, butters, and cookies. Another of our historic sites located in Virginia, Oatlands also offers a variety of tea products, including their own unique tea blend.
For whiskey lovers, Belle Grove plantation offers a reusable charred oak mini barrel that you can use to age any clear spirits (and would be great paired with Belle Grove’s 1797 Whiskey Chocolates).
In addition to Drayton Hall’s collection of homewares mentioned above, they also have a great collection of food items, including this culinary gift box and these Chocolate Charleston Alligators crafted by a local chocolatier.
photo by: Drayton Hall
This "Chocolate Charleston Alligator," crafted by Christophe Artisan Chocolatier, is available for purchase on Drayton Hall's online shop.
...And More
In addition to their wonderful collection of books mentioned above, the Lower East Side Tenement Museum’s online shop also boasts a wide collection of gifts and activities, including board games, puzzles, card games, and retro home décor (including this Green Rotary Phone Clock). For a great stocking stuffer option, check out their set of twenty feminist magnets.
President Lincoln’s Cottage offers a variety of ornaments and gifts, one of which is the Emancipation Desk Ornament, a miniature version of the simple wooden desk President Lincoln worked at while developing the revolutionary Emancipation Proclamation.
By purchasing any of these products, you'll be supporting the National Trust Historic Sites. Looking for other ways to support preservation? Consider giving a gift membership to the place-lover in your life.
Gift Guide Stories
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Saving America's Historic Sites Holiday Shopping at Historic Sites: 2021 Gift Guide -
Building Stronger Communities How to Shop Local and Support Main Streets This Holiday Season -
Telling the Full American Story Gift Ideas That Celebrate Diversity and #TellTheFullStory
