1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House

January on an Edwardsville, Illinois farm in 1820 was quiet—but never idle. ❄️🌾
The fields lay frozen and fallow, but winter brought its own kind of work. Firewood had to be cut and stacked, fences repaired when the weather allowed, and livestock fed and watered daily—often by breaking ice on creeks or hauling buckets by hand.
Inside, homes were busy from dawn to firelight. Tools were mended, candles poured, and clothing patched, spun, or knitted to last another season. Meals came from careful stores of salted pork, cornmeal, dried beans, and root vegetables, with nothing wasted. Evenings were spent close to the hearth, sharing stories, reading scripture or almanacs, and quietly planning for spring planting.
Winter on the Illinois frontier wasn’t about rest, it was about endurance, thrift, and readiness for the year ahead.

1 day ago | [YT] | 20

1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House

A few early‑19th‑century beauty trends placed surprising attention on the eyes, from creating a soft, luminous gaze to rinsing with homemade eye‑waters. Most people, though, relied on simple care like weak tea, and the familiar eyecup. If you’re curious how these rare fashion trends fit alongside everyday routines, we’ve explored the topic in more depth on our blog: “A Glance of Fashion: Rare Eye Trends of the Early 1800s.” stephensonhouse.org/extra-history/f/a-glance-of-fa…

4 days ago | [YT] | 16

1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House

Someone decided to give our dining room some "extra ventilation" by shooting out a window over the holiday break. Joke's on them—the house is already drafty.

To the culprit: You’ve officially angered the ladies who garden. We know how to dig deep holes and we need the fertilizer. 💅⛏️

#stephensonhouse #museum #vandalism #karma

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 28

1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House

✨EVENT POSTPONED: CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT TOURS ✨
Due to the forecasted winter weather, tomorrow night’s Candlelight Tours will be postponed to Saturday, December 6. 🌨️🕯️
Our guests and volunteers' safety is our priority, and we look forward to an evening of holiday magic under safer skies.
If you are a ticket holder and unable to attend on December 6, please let us know by Monday, December 2, so we can issue a refund and offer your spot to another guest.
⚠️ Important Reminder: Please do not respond to commenters offering tickets for resale. These are scams. For all ticket inquiries, contact us directly through our official channels.
Thank you for your understanding and flexibility—we can’t wait to share the glow of the season with you! 🎄✨

1 month ago | [YT] | 8

1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House

Psst...... Have you heard the news?

Whispers are spreading across the region… and it’s true! A most extraordinary evening of dancing, music, and Regency charm is coming to Edwardsville in 2026.
On Saturday, June 20, 2026, the 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House joins with the St. Louis Historical Sewing Society to present The Jewels Ball, a dazzling evening where elegance, and community come together in support of the museum.
Held in the beautiful Leclaire Room at Lewis & Clark College in Edwardsville, The Jewels Ball will transport guests to the world of Bridgerton and early 19th-century society. The will be live music and dancing led by Dance Mistress Deborah Hyland, and appearances by none other than Queen Charlotte herself.
Guests will enjoy period-inspired fare, refined drinks, and an evening filled with charm, laughter, and perhaps a touch of magic. And while the night will sparkle with elegance, it will also shine with purpose. Proceeds from the event support the continued preservation and educational programs of the 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House, ensuring our history continues to inspire generations to come.
So, dear friends, prepare your attire and gloves, polish your footwear and jewels, and save the date: June 20, 2026.
Tickets are available now at givebutter.com/TheJewelsBall. Early Bird pricing of $130 runs through November 30, 2025. For full event details, visit https:www.stephensonhouse.org and if you're traveling from out of town, be sure to book your stay at the Official Hotel for The Jewels Ball, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites of Edwardsville.
And if you simply can’t wait to join the conversation, visit our Jewels Ball Facebook Group for costume inspiration, sneak peeks, and delightful pre-ball gossip.
The whispers are true, The Jewels Ball will be the social event of the 2026 season. Will you be among society’s most dazzling guests?

2 months ago | [YT] | 5

1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House

We'd like to invite you to The Jewels Ball, a Regency-inspired celebration hosted by The 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House and the St. Louis Historical Sewing Society. Held in the historic Leclaire Room of Lewis & Clark College, this immersive evening invites guests to step into the world of Bridgerton and early 19th-century elegance.

Expect a glittering ballroom filled with live music, exquisite finger foods, and refined drinks. Dance Mistress Deborah Hyland will guide guests through period-appropriate dances, while appearances from Her Majesty Queen Charlotte and other high society figures add theatrical flair to the night. Select guests will be honored as Jewels of the Ball, crowned for their dazzling presence and Regency style.

This is more than a ball—it’s a living history experience, a celebration of community, and a night you’ll never forget.


Schedule, Tickets & Attire
Date & Time

Saturday, June 20, 2026
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM


Location
Leclaire Room, N.O. Nelson Campus, Lewis & Clark College
Nestled in the historic Leclaire neighborhood of Edwardsville, IL—just outside St. Louis


Tickets 
NOTE: You’re welcome to transfer your ticket to another guest if needed—just note that all sales are final and nonrefundable.

🎟️ Early Bird: $130 (available through November 30, 2025)
🎟️ Regular Admission: $150

Includes: 
entry 
entertainment
dancing
period finger foods
unlimited soft drinks, our specialty drink, and open bar
And various event festivities and surprises 


Attire
Regency historical costume preferred
Formal evening wear required

Whether you're channeling character from the series, a Federal-era debutante, or a dashing gentleman of the 'ton', your look sets the tone for the evening. Need help preparing? Join our Facebook group for costume tips and inspiration!

Ball Information & Registration

Ready to secure your place among the glittering elite? Purchase tickets here...
givebutter.com/TheJewelsBall

Prepare for the Regency Experience

This isn’t just a ball—it’s a full immersion into the elegance, wit, and charm of the early 1800s. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by candlelit ambiance, graceful music, and the refined rituals of high society.


✨ Dance Like a Debutante: Learn the steps of the era with Dance Mistress Deborah Hyland
✨ Savor the Flavors: Enjoy culinary creations by Chef Andrew Fornof of Bella Milano and confections from St. Louis’s finest pâtissiers
✨ Capture the Magic: Pose in stunning photo vignettes styled for Regency romance
✨ Be Crowned: Her Majesty Queen Charlotte will select the evening’s Jewels of the Ball


Extend the fantasy—make it a weekend affair! Explore Edwardsville’s historic charm, visit local landmarks, and indulge in the spirit of the past.

Your Weekend Retreat Awaits
Official Hotel Partner: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Edwardsville

Extend your evening of enchantment into a luxurious stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites of Edwardsville, the Official Hotel of The Jewels Ball. Known for its exceptional service and refined comfort, this highly rated establishment offers the perfect retreat for guests traveling from afar—or those wishing to turn the occasion into a weekend getaway.

Relax in well-appointed rooms, enjoy modern amenities, and continue the spirit of celebration in a setting that balances elegance and ease.

Reserve your stay early to secure your accommodations and make your Regency weekend complete.

Claim Your Place in Society

Make your experience unforgettable with two optional theatrical add-ons to secure your place amongst the 'ton.'

Guests may choose:
Ballroom Announcement ($10 per person)– Be formally introduced to the room in true Regency fashion, just as distinguished guests were in the early 1800s.

Royal Presentation ($10 per person)– Enjoy a brief audience with Queen Charlotte and her ladies-in-waiting, announced and received with courtly grace.

Add one or both to elevate your evening with pageantry, elegance, and immersive historical flair. Availability is limited to preserve the rhythm and intimacy of the experience.

💎Jewels of the Ball: Bridgerton-Inspired Costume Contest💎

Prepare to turn heads and capture hearts in our costume contest celebrating Regency fashion and the theatrical flair of the hit TV series. Whether you arrive as a dazzling debutante, a mysterious noble, or a member of the Queen's glittering court, this is your chance to embody the elegance of the era.

Final contest details, rules, and tips will be shared in The Jewels Ball Facebook Group—join the conversation, get expert costume advice, and connect with fellow guests as you prepare to dazzle.


This is your moment to shine. Make it memorable.

Skip the Carousel

1 2

2 months ago | [YT] | 7

1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House

Our Newest Documentary is Complete!
“Voices Unleashed” tells the story of slavery in early Illinois

In 2019, former assistant director, Jeffrey Edison began working on a documentary focusing on the early history of slavery in Illinois; in particular those individuals enslaved at Stephenson House. “Voices Unleashed” is told through the voice of Winn, a slave Lucy Stephenson inherited from her father and brought with her to the Illinois Territory in 1809. It’s hoped that it will serve as an educational tool that can be sent to area classrooms, viewed by visitors at the site, and distributed online to bring this little-known history to light.

The project was funded through grants from the Meridian Society and Illinois Humanities. SIUE Mass Communications instructor Cory Byers and several students directed, filmed, and edited the 18-minute video. Local volunteers and actors made up the cast. Filming sites included Stephenson House, Cahokia Courthouse, Nicholas Jarrot Mansion, and the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site.

Filming began in November of 2019 with several dates scheduled into 2020. Unfortunately, Covid-19 shut the world down, and the project had to be put on hold. Five years later, the project is finally complete. In July of this year, we were able to film the final scenes needed to complete production. The video is set to premiere tonight, August 1 at 7 pm on our YouTube channel (youtube.com/c/1820ColBenjaminStephensonHouse).

Through the efforts of many volunteers, other historic sites, SIUE, and Jeffrey Edison’s passion for history, this project was made possible. As a museum, we strive to tell a truthful story of the past.

1 year ago | [YT] | 15

1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House

Stay tuned for the release of our newest documentary "Voices Unleashed". It'll premier next Thursday, August 1, and tell the difficult history of slavery in early Illinois; particularly those enslaved at Stephenson House. Here are some shots of the wonderful volunteers/actors who made this project possible. We thank them for their dedication to sharing this important story.

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4 5

1 year ago | [YT] | 17

1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House

Happy Mother's Day!

1 year ago | [YT] | 11

1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House

Making chocolate puffs from 1798 today in the kitchen. Video coming soon!

1 year ago | [YT] | 11