Once upon a time, ice cream was a sweet treat for the elite. Most of our earliest records of it come from the annals of kings and emperors. Washington and Jefferson were fans and hostess-with-the-mostest Dolly Madison served up a splendid strawberry ice cream creation at her husband’s second inaugural banquet in 1813. In the second half of the 19th century, as refrigeration and transportation became handier, came widespread availability and innovation: ice cream sodas, ice cream sundaes, cones.

With this explosion of creativity came the delightful custom of the ice cream social, the perfect blend of decadence and family-friendliness to bring neighbors and communities together. And you’re invited to come home to Boscobel House and Gardens on July 28 to enjoy that timeless sweetness (and taste a bit of that nostalgia) of an authentic ice cream social—right in the gracious shaded forecourt between the Historic House Museum and Boscobel’s Maple Lane.
There will be familiar flavors and some that hark back to an earlier era, such as black raspberry, Maine blueberry, and mint. (We can’t imagine how any of these fell out of favor in the first place.)

While you nibble and mingle, you’ll be treated to some sweet, sweet sounds: Celebrated violinist Gwen Laster and her quartet will perform an uplifting repertoire on the theme of “summertime and summer breezes” and musician Thaddeus MacGregor—known for his charming musical toys and top hat—will also perform casual, period guitar music.

You’re very much welcome to freely explore the house and grounds. Experts will be strategically stationed to answer any questions you might have and regale you with their historical knowledge. Family-friendly period games will also be set up on the lawn to take you even deeper into how it must have been.



The social will take place on Sunday, July 28 (rain date August 4) from 11 am to 3 pm. Tickets for members are $18 for adults, $12 for children, and free for the under-fives. If you haven’t yet become a member, you’ll pay $22 for adults and $13 for kids, with the tiny ones still free.

But, once you’ve experienced Boscobel hospitality, you may well decide to join—the blend of Neoclassical beauty and innovative programming is as alluringly delicious as a tasty scoop on a hot summer day.

Tickets are available on Boscobel's website and advance reservations recommended