A Perfect Spot of Tea
JMPT Quartet
August 6th

A centuries-old tradition of afternoon tea endures at the Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum with “A PERFECT SPOT OF TEA,” a summer series continuing Saturday, August 6th with musical guest JMPT Quartet. Ever since the house’s construction in 1752, Hadley residents and other passers-by have visited the farmstead for good conversation, a beautiful view, lively music, and a beverage that, as original resident Elizabeth Porter Phelps once wrote, “cheers but not inebriates.” The museum keeps this colonial tradition alive every Saturday in July and August. Seatings are held at 2:30 and 3:30PM; the grounds are a smoke-free site. Admission is $10.

The JMPT Quartet plays an eclectic blend of instrumental music from around the world, including South American tangos, Polish polkas, and New Orleans ragtime, as well Irish, Israeli, and other old-time popular music. It is pleasant, skillfully played music, perfect as a subtle backdrop for conversation and tea, as well as for close, concentrated listening. The band is Jane Lund on the accordion, Mike Ingram on guitar, Pam Bartlett on the violin, and Tom Ulrich on the bass.

In addition to talented local musicians, A Perfect Spot of Tea also features delicious pastries, attentive service, and, of course, plenty of Earl Grey Tea. Everything at the event—flowers, tea, food, service, and music—is generously donated by local businesses and residents. Come to A Perfect Spot of Tea and engage with the community, past and present!

For an additional fee, guests may also tour the Porter-Phelps-Huntington House Museum. The house, which remains unchanged since the family’s occupancy, tells the story of six generations of prominent Hadley natives. The family, prosperous traders turned farmers, fought in both the French and Indian and Revolutionary Wars, rose to prominence in local government, and embodied a consistently progressive social consciousness. Tours highlight both local and regional narratives, ranging in focus from architecture, material culture, and labor, to early-American theology, economics, and social movements.

The Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum is located at 130 River Drive (Route 47) in Hadley, two miles north of the junction of Routes 9 and 47. The Museum is open for guided tours Saturday through Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and by appointment. For further information about tours or other programs, please call the Museum at (413) 584-4699 or visit our website at www.pphmuseum.org.