By Jessica Dillon
The Virginia Museum of Natural History is preparing for its annual fundraiser, but this year’s event will trade its usual 1920s speakeasy theme for a Regency-era experience inspired by Bridgerton.
Services and events manager Robbie Hendrix-Wirt said the idea was to take the fundraiser in a completely new direction.
“I kinda wanted to switch gears and do something completely different,” Hendrix-Wirt said, adding that he wanted something extravagant and staff embraced the concept.
The event will feature elements drawn from the show, including tea time, themed drinks and a “diamond of the season” contest. Guests will receive two complimentary drinks — one upon arrival and another from the bar — along with access to four bourbon tastings and an educational drink station.
“The Education Department will be there with a free drink called pick your poison with an education lesson,” Hendrix-Wirt said.
Food offerings will include scones, macarons for dessert and cucumber sandwiches.
Costume contests will also be part of the evening.
“I will be choosing who I think is best dressed and then I will be choosing the diamond of the season,” Hendrix-Wirt said. “The diamond for me is who puts the most effort into their costume and who I can see who is enjoying themselves the most.”
“For me as a performer, between this and Halloween, these are the two times of the year I really get to go all out,” he said, noting he enjoys keeping museum events fresh.
He said Queen Starlington will be present, along with Lady Whistledown.
“My hope at the end of the evening is that everybody will depart with a Lady Whistledown,” he said.
Live entertainment will also be featured.
“It will be performed by a good friend who offered to sing in intervals,” Hendrix-Wirt said. “The songs that she’s going to perform will be in the style of that period, but will be a modern-day song, it will be the instrumentals you hear when they are doing their dances and stuff.”
Guests will be greeted with a photo opportunity at a themed archway, along with decorated bistro tables and floral teapots. Additional activities will be available throughout the evening.
Attendees are encouraged to dress formally or in Regency attire. Suggested attire includes empire-waist gowns, gloves and jewelry for women, and tailcoats, breeches or dark dress coats with cravats for men.
Tickets are $50 and available through the museum’s website. The event will take place March 21 at 6 p.m.
