(ORANGE, TX) – After extensive restoration of both exterior and interior spaces, the Nelda C. & H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation is happy to announce the re-opening of The W.H. Stark House for 2019 Holiday Tours. Tours will be available on the nine open days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The House will be decorated for the season and feature festive tableware, garland, and other holiday decorations. Tours include all three floors of the main house, which stands much as it did at the turn of the 20^th century with fifteen rooms of original family furnishings, personal effects, and decorative arts.

Come and see our newly restored Formal Dining Room, featuring a hand-painted, full ceiling mural by local artist Grace Chadwick. On the second floor, enjoy a glimpse of an intimate family Christmas in our newly restored Sitting Room, complete with silk wall treatment minted in France and installed by the textile team from Woven Inspiration in Galveston, TX. All restoration elements have been painstakingly researched to showcase the House as it was in its prime. We invite you and your family to share the holidays with us in this exciting new chapter at The W.H. Stark House.

Tours are free, but require an on-line reservation.

Anyone interested in reserving a tour slot can do so at www.starkculturalvenues.org/whstarkhouse starting November 1^st.

In lieu of a tour fee, please consider bringing canned goods and non-perishable items to benefit the Southeast Texas Food Bank this holiday season.

Visitors of all ages can enjoy events and activities on the Grounds. Highlights include photo spots, a hot cocoa bar, and activity stations. Director of Stark Art & History Venues, Trina Nelson Thomas, expresses her excitement to have “The W.H. Stark House open to showcase amazing restoration work and highlight restoration stories in addition to the history of the family.”

2019 Holiday Dates: November 29, 30, & December 1 and December 6 – 7, 13 – 14, 20 – 21.

In addition to the Holiday schedule, The W.H. Stark House will be open the 2^nd Friday and Saturday of each month throughout 2020.