Museum curator offers insights on Pebble Hill Plantation tours

Pebble Hill Plantation is offering visitors a very rare opportunity to tour the 30,000 square foot Main House, Elisabeth Ireland Poe Gallery, and the recently opened and award-winning Kennel Cottage, with Museum and Gallery Curator, Lori Curtis.

These tours will be offered June 8, June 22, July 13, and July 27 and will be limited to 8 participants per tour. This will allow for a more in-depth exploration into the rich history of Pebble Hill and the impact it had on the region as a 20th century sporting estate that hosted presidents, dignitaries, literary figures, actors, and even royalty during its heyday.

Curtis will share her insights and expertise on the art, antiques, and architecture of the Main House, which was built in 1935-36 to replace the 1850s Main House lost by fire in 1932. The present-day Main House was designed by President James A. Garfield’s youngest son, Abram.

The house features collections of bronze equestrian statutes, fine porcelain, crystal, china, antique furnishings dating back to the 1600s, and two spectacular murals by Florida artist, J. Clinton Shepherd. There are many unique architectural and design features in the home, which include jib doors, a cantilevered staircase, the breathtaking loggia, and wallpaper that is more than 300 years old.

Participants will also explore the Elisabeth Ireland Poe Gallery, where they will learn more about the works on display and the artists who created them. Included in the collection are paintings by John Emms, Sir Alfred Munnings, Charles Towne, Thomas Blinks, Maude Earl, and many bronzes by Tex Wheeler.

The Gallery is named for the last mistress of Pebble Hill, who passed away in 1978. She had inherited Pebble Hill from her mother, Kate Hanna Ireland Harvey. The two women collected first edition John James Audubon prints and there are 33 of them on display in the Main House and the Gallery. Mrs. Poe’s collection of American and British sporting art of equestrian, hunting dog, and wildlife subjects, is one of the largest of its kind in the United States.

In the Kennel Cottage, which recently received an award from Thomasville Landmark’s for its preservation and historical significance, participants will hear stories of the men and women who lived and worked at Pebble Hill Plantation and gain insight into their daily lives.

Curtis will discuss the Cottage’s historic displays and continued research efforts and plans for future expansion of the exhibits in the space. Pebble Hill Plantation played an integral part in the history of Thomasville and Thomas County and these curator-led tours will invite discussion and reflection. The Kennel Cottage is a representation of the living quarters for employees of Pebble Hill Plantation from 1896-1978.

Space for these special tours is limited and reservations are required. The tours are from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $30 per person and tickets are available by visiting pebblehill.com. Anyone with questions may call 229-226-2344.