Exclusively for Members! Discover the beauty of the early fall garden on a walking tour led by Collin Hadsell, lead horticulturist. See what’s in bloom and explore unseen or off-the-beaten-path areas of the garden. Members free. Reservations required; limited to 50 participants. Walks leave promptly from the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted. In case of inclement weather, a decision will be made the day prior. If the decision is made to cancel, all registered participants will be notified.
Blog
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IRUG16: 16th Conference and Workshop of the Infrared and Raman User’s Group
For over three decades, the Infrared and Raman Users Group (IRUG) has been at the forefront of advancing spectroscopic analysis in cultural heritage conservation. Every few years, this vibrant international community gathers to share groundbreaking research, innovative techniques, and the latest developments in infrared and Raman spectroscopy for the analysis and conservation of cultural materials. In October 2026, IRUG 16 will bring together an international cohort of conservation scientists, conservators, researchers, and industry specialists working across diverse collections. This conference will showcase cutting-edge research and methodologies that are essential for advancing our understanding and preservation of cultural heritage materials.
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Birding Walk
Join us to explore some of the hotspots for birds at Winterthur, including wetlands, meadows, and the woodlands along Clenny Run. Observe resident birds as well as migrating raptors, warblers, and sparrows. For beginning or experienced bird watchers. Bring your binoculars. Be sure to dress for the weather and wear walking shoes. $20; $10 for Members. Park in the Visitor Parking Lot and meet at the Picnic House (the small building at the far end of the lot). Walks start promptly at scheduled time. In case of inclement weather, an update message will be left at 302.888.4864 by 7:00 am on the morning of the walk. Come prepared for a long walk.
Additional Birding Walks take place on October 31 and November 11.
Photo by Eileen Tercha
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Spectroscopy as Cultural Heritage
Dr. Roger Turner will present a talk highlighting the fascinating history of cultural practices and social groups on the field of spectroscopy, the scientific study of how matter interacts with electromagnetic radiation. His talk introduces some of the hidden figures who helped make spectroscopy a powerful technique that scientists use to understand the compositions of cultural heritage objects—including paintings, textiles, archeological artifacts, photographs, contemporary art, and much, much more. Women like Clara Smith Craver created the books of chemical “fingerprints” that identify different materials, while groups of scientists learned to how to do spectroscopy through summer courses at Fisk University, a historically Black university. Surprising objects from the Science History Institute museum reveal that spectroscopists can be playful and silly, while doing work that has transformed our understanding of art and archeology. Dr. Turner is the curator of instruments and artifacts at the Science History Institute in Philadelphia.
This is the keynote lecture for the IRUG Conference taking place at Winterthur October 7–9. IRUG is a group dedicated to the use of infrared and Raman spectroscopies applied to cultural heritage. Included with admission. Members free.
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Garden & Estate Insider: Structural Pruning Demo
Allison Edmonds, arborist, will demonstrate structural pruning, provide tips, and answer your pruning questions. Included with admission. Members free.
Join our staff and invited experts as they share insights and information about Winterthur’s history, horticulture, or habitats. Activities may include a walk, talk, or demonstration and take place every Wednesday, April–October.
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Greyhounds Reach the Beach
The annual Greyhounds Reach the Beach weekend is being hosted in the Convention Center. The festival wraps up with a parade on the Boardwalk on Sunday.
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Introduction to T’ai Chi Chih
Exclusively for Members! This introductory level, easy-to-learn set of twenty movements helps dissolve tension, reduce chronic pain, and improve balance. Based on the ancient Chinese principles of activation and circulation of energy (chi), T’ai Chi Chih is an easily adaptive and enjoyable program that can be done by anyone, regardless of age or physical ability. Classes are led by Jessica Lewis, accredited T’ai Chi Chih instructor. Classes meet outside the Picnic House in the rear of the Visitor Parking Lot and take place in the garden, weather permitting. In inclement weather, location will move indoors. Members only. $135. Registration is for all eight sessions. Capacity limited. Register by September 15. No class on October 22.
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Wellness Yoga
Activate your internal energy and strengthen your body and spirit as you practice slow, easy motions to get into the rhythm of nature. Led by Beth Sheehy. Bring a yoga mat, small towel, and a water bottle. Wear layers appropriate to the season.
Drop-in classes; held in the garden, weather permitting. In inclement weather, location will move indoors. Locations will be posted by the main gate and outside Brown Horticulture Center. Members only. $15 per Member per class; cash only. For more information, contact Beth Sheehy at [email protected].
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Story Time in Enchanted Woods
Share the joy of reading while cultivating children’s interest in and appreciation for nature. Kids ages 3–6 sit among the Story Stones to hear nature-based stories. Plus, enjoy a special activity on the first Thursday of every month. Included with admission. Free for children under 2. Members free. Story Time starts promptly at scheduled time and takes place weekly, April–October.
October 1—Don’t Rake the Garden in a Party Dress by Aimee Bissonetti
October 8—Acorn Was a Little Wild by Jen Arena
October 15—Run Wild by David Covell
October 22—Daylight Starlight Wildlife by Wendell Minor
October 29—Animals in Winter by Henrietta Bancroft and Richard G. Van Gelder
Photo by Rob Cardillo
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Creative Connections: Memory Café featuring Lisa Bradley: Beyond Luminosity
This program is designed specifically for visitors with early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia and their care partners. Led by a specially-trained guide in an environment that encourages conversation, exchange, and storytelling. Join us from 1-1:30pm in East Court for snacks and social time. At 1:30pm, we will head into the galleries for a discussion-based tour. Themes change monthly.
Abundantly Clear, 2019-2020. Lisa Bradley (born 1951). Oil on canvas, 77 × 59 inches. Courtesy of the artist. © Lisa Bradley.
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Art in Bloom: Floral Design Inspired by the Hudson River School
Discover how the beauty of nature can inspire both art and floral design during this special demonstration led by designer Ken Norman of Floral Inspirations in Lewes, DE. Drawing inspiration from the Delaware Art Museum’s special exhibition Transcendent: Landscapes of the Hudson River School, attendees will explore the colors, textures, light, and seasonal beauty that captivated America’s great landscape painters and continue to inspire artists today.
This demonstration will begin with a brief introduction to the Hudson River School and highlights from Transcendent. Guests will gain insight into the artists’ reverence for the natural world and the ways they used composition, color, and atmosphere to create memorable works of art.
Ken will then demonstrate how these same artistic principles can be translated into stunning floral arrangements. He will show you how to create your own nature- and art-inspired arrangement at home, while experiencing firsthand how a painting can serve as the inspiration for a beautiful floral composition.
Whether you are an experienced gardener, flower enthusiast, or art lover, this engaging afternoon offers a fresh perspective on the connection between art and nature. Tea and lite bites will be served.
This event is hosted by Barbara Goetz on behalf of the Delaware Art Museum. Space is limited to 30 guests, and advance registration is required. All registrants must be 18 years of age or older to attend.
About the Exhibition
Transcendent: Art of the Hudson River School
October 10, 2026 – January 10, 2027
Delaware Art Museum, Wilmington, DE
Organized by The New York HistoricalDrawn primarily from the rich collections of The New York Historical, Transcendent: Landscapes of the Hudson River School explores nationally beloved paintings through the lens of Transcendentalism, a 19th-century movement that emphasized the spiritual connection between humans and the natural world. Transcendent introduces visitors to the tradition of landscape painting that flourished in the United States in the middle decades of the nineteenth century.
About Ken Norman, Floral Designer
Ken Norman AIFD, PFCI is a third-generation floral designer. In 2015 he relocated to Lewes and opened his retail floral business, Floral Inspirations. Ken was recognized and inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) in 2002. Mr. Norman has served on the education and membership committees. In addition, he currently serves on the AIFD National Board and has held each elected seat on the northeast regional chapter board of directors.Mr. Norman has presented his trademark designs to garden clubs and civic groups as well as instructing extensive hands-o workshops. He is also a respected instructor at the prestigious New York Botanical Garden, Ann Arundel Community College in Maryland and t Mount Cuba Center in Hockessin, Delaware.
Working with international designers and attending the industry’s leading conferences keeps Mr. Norman abreast of industry trends. He has participated in the world-renowned Philadelphia Flow Show both as a featured designer and an exhibit chairman for AIFD. Ken has been a winning contestant and demonstrator at the flower show’s “Designer Studio”.
Ken’s work has been published in several bridal magazines and the blog “Style Me Pretty”. Ken has won the “best ceremony” and “best reception” categories in Florists’ Review “Picture Perfect Wedding” contest.
Artwork: Thomas Cole, Catskill Creek, New York, 1845. Oil on canvas. The New York Historical, The Robert L. Stuart Collection, the gift of his widow Mrs. Mary Stuart. Photograph: Courtesy of Ken Norman
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Member Bonus Shopping Days
Members receive an additional 10% off purchases at the Museum Store, Friday–Sunday. Some exclusions apply.
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Shakespeare, Poe, and Fiends
Join Delaware Shakespeare for thrilling selections of scenes, prose, and poetry from William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, and others, with musical selections interspersed, ending with a dramatic reading of Poe’s “The Raven.” $28–$32; $27–$29 for Members; $10–$12 for children 12 and under; $8–$10 for Member children 12 and under. Includes general admission. Ticket includes general admission until 5:00 pm, so arrive early to take a house tour, ride the garden tram, and explore the garden.
Photo courtesy of Delaware Shakespeare
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Fall Exhibitions – Free Member Preview
The Delaware Art Museum invites you to celebrate the opening of three new exhibitions. Drawn primarily from the rich collections of The New York Historical, Transcendent: Landscapes of the Hudson River School explores nationally beloved paintings through the lens of Transcendentalism, a 19thcentury movement that emphasized the spiritual connection between humans and the natural world. Lisa Bradley: Beyond Luminosity features the artist’s recent luminous explorations, paintings of infinitely deep darks and light-filled abstract canvases. Pyle and the Pre-Raphaelites reveals new research on the longstanding friendship between American illustrator Howard Pyle and Pre-Raphaelite art collector Samuel Bancroft and examines how Pyle incorporated the art of the Pre-Raphaelites into his own work.
This evening of art and community connection is free for DelArt Members. Advance registration is required.
Morning in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia (detail), ca. 1858. William Louis Sonntag. Oil on canvas. The New York Historical, The Robert L. Stuart Collection, the gift of his widow Mrs. Mary Stuart, S-107.
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Boardwalk Buddy Walk 2026
This is a walk to raise awareness of individuals with Down syndrome.
