FREE ADMISSION

or one week each April and one week in October, guests to the Banning Residence Museum are transported to the year 1884, when dirt roads and stagecoaches were common sights and the Los Angeles harbor had yet to be completed. The Banning Residence comes alive with bustling of ladies in elegant gowns, the dialogue of gentleman in wool suits and the singing, dancing and music that captures the spirit of a bygone era.

SCHOOL WEEK
During a special week of school programs, students and their teachers are invited to step back in time and experience the events and activities our Los Angeles ancestors from a century past. Five activities will be planned to afford our young guests active, hands-on participation such as, drilling with a Civil War Regiment, tying knots with a sailing captain, dancing at a Banning family celebration, feeding a horse from the Banning barn and taking a self tour of the 1864 home.

All activities are designed to offer children insight into the daily life and activities of local residents in the 1880's. To make the experience more fulfilling, an educational preview packet containing an overview of the day's program and background of Phineas Banning and the Museum is provided to each teacher.

The 3 1/2 hour program runs five days in April and five days in October. Schools may reserve a program day beginning September 12, 2005 by calling
(310) 548-7777. There is no charge for this program.

FREE WEEKEND EVENT
Sunday, April 23, 2006
The public is invited to celebrate the 1880's at a free public day on April 23, 2006. The weekend will be filled with the bustling activity of 1880's life. Take a leisurely self-tour of the historic 1864 residence. You can learn a Victorian Dance step at a barn dance! Play hoops and tug-o-war or enter a sack race. Listen to live music from the era on the front porch.

Artisans will be invited to demonstrate their special crafts. You'll see ladies sewing a quilt, woodcarvers carving their creations and much more!!!

The Norris Museum Shop will be open for you to purchase a special gift. The Patio will be open for you and your family to purchase a delicious lunch.