Inside Whitehall Spring 2024

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Kelly M. Hopkins president

G.F. Robert Hanke vice president

William M. Matthews

treasurer

Thomas S. Kenan, III secretary

Ted A. Gardner

trustee

Barry G. Hoyt trustee

Richard M. Krasno trustee

George G. Matthews

trustee

LEADERSHIP STAFF

John Blades executive director

Christina Bernstein director of finance

Keeley Bogani member services director

David Carson public affairs director

Ben Hillman director of external affairs

Janice Lamb store and tea room manager

Campbell Mobley associate curator

MUSEUM HOURS

Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm

Sunday, Noon to 5 pm

Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The mission of the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum is to preserve and interpret Whitehall, Henry Flagler’s legacy, and America’s Gilded Age, in ways that inspire every generation to perpetuate and emulate the traditions and values that have made America the most prosperous and generous nation in history.

Henry Morrison Flagler Museum publication © 2024 by the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. All rights reserved.

Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

National Historic Landmark

Accredited since 1973 by the American Alliance of Museums

Cover: The Larry Stephenson Band perform during the 2023 Bluegrass in the Pavilion concert. See page five for information about the 2024 Bluegrass concert

Opposite: Alphonse Mucha, Gismonda 1894. Color lithograph on paper

2024 Winter Exhibition

Alphonse Mucha:

Master of Art Nouveau

Renowned for his pioneering contributions to the world of art, Alphonse Mucha's distinct aesthetic remains a captivating force within the realm of Art Nouveau that continues to captivate audiences to this day. His iconic theatrical posters, adorned with fairy-like women boasting cascading locks and exquisite attire, serve as timeless testaments to his creative genius. Now, aficionados of art and admirers of Mucha can immerse themselves in the splendor of his works at The Flagler Museum’s 2024 Winter Exhibition.

The “Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau,” exhibition is on view at the Flagler Museum through April 14, 2024, offering a glimpse into the mesmerizing world of this influential artist. At the heart of the Art Nouveau movement was a celebration of sinuous lines, organic forms, and intricate designs—a stylistic tapestry expertly woven by Mucha himself. Heralded as one of the movement's preeminent interpreters, Mucha's art transcends mere representation, embodying the very essence of an era marked by societal transformation and creative fervor.

Born amid the picturesque landscapes of Moravia, Mucha embarked on a journey to Paris, driven by a desire to carve his name into the annals of art history. Despite humble beginnings, he would reinvent the Parisian art scene. His breakthrough moment arrived with a commission from the legendary actress Sarah Bernhardt, tasking Mucha with the creation of a poster that would capture the essence of her theatrical prowess. The resulting masterpiece, a mesmerizing portrayal of an ethereal woman amidst tendrils of hair and floral motifs, catapulted Mucha into the spotlight, establishing him as a luminary within the Art Nouveau movement.

At The Flagler Museum

flagler museum music series

February 6 - March 5, 2024

Tuesday evenings between February 6th and March 10th, the Flagler Museum’s 2024 Music Series featured classical chamber music in an intimate, gracious setting by awardwinning musicians. Audience members not only enjoyed beautiful chamber music but also enjoyed the rare opportunity to meet the musicians during a champagne and dessert reception that followed each concert. The Flagler Museum Music Series is generously sponsored by Roe Green and The MBS Family Foundation.

valentine’s day tea

February 14, 2024

The Flagler Museum celebrated Valentine’s Day by offering a romantic Valentine’s Day tea for two on February 14th. Couples were invited to enjoy the elegance of this National Historic Landmark and a Gilded Age Style tea in the Railcar 91 Tea RoomTM, with breathtaking panoramic views of the West Palm Beach skyline across Lake Worth, while enjoying a tea of gourmet sandwiches, scones, desserts, and Whitehall Special Blend® tea all served on exquisite Whitehall Collection® china.

whitehall lecture series

February 4 - March 10, 2024

The Annual Whitehall Lecture Series presented Unlikely Titans of Industry and Commerce: From Modest Beginnings to Phenomenal Success, at 3:00 p.m. each Sunday from February 4th to March 10th. Experts and authors spoke about the Titans that were responsible for some of the most successful business ventures built from the ground up. All lectures are now archived on the Museum’s website. The Whitehall Lecture Series is generously sponsored by Related.

railcar 91 tea room TM

November 24, 2023 - March 31, 2024

Formerly known as the Café des Beaux-Arts, the Railcar 91 Tea RoomTM opened for season on November 24, offering a selection of savory sandwiches, traditional scones, and a variety of sweets, complemented by the Museum’s own Whitehall Special Blend® tea and berry sweetened lemonade. The rebranding of the Railcar 91 Tea RoomTM pays homage to Henry Flagler’s private railcar, which is housed in the Flagler Kenan Pavilion.

Music Series Sponsor Roe Green and Ulysses Quartet

Winter Exhibition Reception

The Winter Exhibition Opening Reception on January 12 hosted Members at the Patron level and above, as well as Exhibition Sponsors for drinks and hors d’oeuvres and an opportunity to view the 2024 Winter Exhibition, “Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau”.

Upcoming Programs

Bluegrass in the Pavilion

April 6, 2024

The Kody Noris Show are a youthful voice in Bluegrass music, and insiders have awarded them multiple IBMA & SPBGMA Nominations and wins in 2022 for Entertainer of the Year and Fiddler of the Year for Mary Rachel Nalley-Norris.

The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys’ passion for bluegrass is as clear as it is contagious. The band has a heavy touring schedule in the United States and Europe and a recent Grammy Nomination with Rounder Records.

The Kody Norris Show (left) and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys (right) will fill the Flagler Kenan Pavilion with joyful, toetapping melodies on Saturday, April 6, 2024. The Pavilion provides the perfect setting for an engaging music experience that blends the timeless charm of bluegrass with the grandeur of the Gilded Age.

Todd and Mandy Houser, Spence Whitman, Stephanie Lynch, Lawrence Gray

Deborah Walters, Nancy Stern, Mark Dvorak

Sally and Dick Phelps

Jim Gaffney, Trudy Coxe, Cheryl Culp, Chris Storkerson

mother’s day tea service

The celebration of Mother’s Day in the United States began during the Gilded Age, when in May 1914, Congress established it as a National Holiday. In the spirit of this tradition, mothers and their families are invited each year to the Railcar 91 Tea Room™ to enjoy a Gilded Age-style Tea Service in the Flagler Kenan Pavilion.

independence day celebration

Museum Members at the Sponsor level and above, as well as Whitehall Society Members, are invited to the Museum for a “front-row” view of the 4th on Flagler fireworks display on Thursday, July 4th. Lemonade and ice cream will be served. Gates open at 8 pm and fireworks begin just after 9 pm. Attendees may bring their own chairs and blankets, but outside food or alcohol will not be permitted. Current Museum Members may purchase tickets for additional nonmember guests for $50 per person.

founder’s day

On June 5th each year, the Flagler Museum celebrates its anniversary by opening its doors free of charge in honor of its founder, Jean Flagler Matthews. Founder’s Day brings together visitors to honor Matthews’ visionary spirit, as they explore the Museum’s Gilded Age architecture and remarkable collections. It is a joyful tribute to Matthews’ enduring legacy.

Organ & Piano Demonstrations

September - November, 2024

Visitors may enjoy live music performances this Fall while touring Whitehall on select Sundays in September, October, and November. Visitors may delight in the sounds of the 1902 J. H. & C. S. Odell & Co. organ in the Music Room and the 1901 Steinway and Sons model B art case piano commissioned specifically for the Drawing Room. These two original instruments will be played by local musicians as part of the Museum’s conservation program. A variety of popular music will be performed including secular and spiritual pieces published or composed during the Gilded Age. The Organ and Piano demonstrations are generously sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Ellis J. Parker.

May 11 - May 12, 2024

June 5, 2024

July 4, 2024

Beyond the Lecture: Signed Books Available at TM

Signed copies of the books featured in the Whitehall Lecture Series , “Unlikely Titans of Industry & Commerce,” are now available for purchase. Dive into the stories of unconventional trailblazers who’ve shaped the business world. From visionary entrepreneurs to resilient innovators, these books offer unique insight into their journeys. Visit H. M. Flagler & Co. TM to purchase signed editions from each presenter. All members receive a 10% discount at the Museum store, while Benefactor Members and above receive a 20% discount.

1. George Westinghouse: Powering the World $31.50 Member $35 non-member

2. Edison: A Life of Invention $26.10 Member $29 non-member

3. The People’s Tycoon $18.90 Member $21 non-member

4. J. C. Penney: The Man, The Store, and American Agriculture $26.95 Member $29.95 non-member

5. Wanamaker’s Temple $21.60 Member $24 non-member

6. F.W. Woolworth and the Five and Dime $18.90 Member $21 non-member

“A Sacred Monster” : Sarah Bernhardt

Sarah Bernhardt, born on October 22, 1844, in Paris, France, emerged from an unconventional background. Her mother, Julie Bernardt, was a courtesan, the identity of her biological father remains uncertain. Raised in an environment colored by the bohemian lifestyle of her mother, Bernhardt's early years were marked by societal nonconformity.

At the age of six, Sarah was sent to a convent school for education, but her rebellious spirit clashed with the rigid structure. Her interest in acting became evident during this time, leading her to later enroll in the Paris Conservatoire, where she honed her theatrical skills.

During the 1870s, Sarah Bernhardt surrounded herself with artists, including the painters Alfred Stevens, Gustave Doré, Julius LeBlanc Stewart and Jules BastienLepage. In the early 1870s, Georges Clairin and Louise Abbéma held a special place in this circle of artists. Both were in love with and fascinated by Sarah Bernhardt, representing the actress on stage and in her private life. At the 1876 Salon, they each exhibited a portrait of Sarah: Abbéma depicted her dressed for town, while Clairin showed her at home, in a sumptuous white negligee that showed off her figure to perfection.

The actress, who was not afraid of “advertising”, did not shy away from associating her name with everyday consumer products, as may be seen in the poster designed by Alphonse Mucha for Lefevre-Utile biscuits. By the late 19th century, Sarah Bernhardt’s image was everywhere. Sarah Bernhardt’s silhouette, sharp profile, and cascading red locks corresponded perfectly to the aesthetics cherished by the Symbolists and Art Nouveau artists.

Bernhardt was unafraid to take risks, tackling unconventional roles, challenging societal norms, and even famously portraying Hamlet. Bernhardt interpreted hundreds of roles throughout her career, but some have indelibly marked the collective consciousness. Her repertoire included Racine and Shakespeare, as well as 19thcentury authors, like Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas fils, author of La Dame aux Camélias, one of her greatest roles. The Divine Sarah was especially famous for her “death scenes.” Jean Cocteau referred to her as a “sacred monster.” He went on to say, “Madame Sarah Bernhardt presented the phenomenon of living at the extremity of her personality in her life, on the stage."

Bernhardt established her own theatre, Theatre Sarah-Bernhardt, exemplifying her entrepreneurial spirit. This venture provided her with artistic control and a platform to showcase her talents in a way that aligned with her vision. Bernhardt had a perpetual need for discovery and exploration which led her to embark on international tours. These experiences not only broadened her artistic horizons but also satisfied her curiosity and enhanced her performance.

Image: Alphonse Mucha, Poster for Hamlet, 1899. Color lithograph. Gallica.

New and Renewing Members

December 14, 2023 - March 8, 2024

Flagler Legacy Members ($15,000)

Mr. & Mrs. Gabriel Baizan

Mr. Kevin Bolling & Miss Renee Bolling

Mr. & Mrs. Ted Allan Gardner

Mr. Taylor Rogers & Miss Jordan Kissane

Mr. Dillon Rolnick & Miss Angela Waddle

Mr. Vijay Vasireddy

Flagler Visionary Members ($10,000)

Messrs. Michael A. Kovner & Jean Doyen de Montaillou

Associate Members ($5,000)

Mrs. Patricia McLaughlin

Benefactor Members ($2,500)

Mr. Gary Goldring

Mrs. Lesly S. Smith

Mr. & Mrs. Watson Wright

Patron Members ($1,000)

Mr. Eric Blair-Joannou

Mr. & Mrs. John G. Brim

Dr. Donald G. Bronn & Dame Marina Arsenijevic

Mrs. Hella G. Buch & Dr. John Scarborough

Dr. Jason Cuellar & Dr. Vanessa Gabrovsky Cuellar

Dr. & Mrs. Paul Du Quenoy

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Eisenberg

Mr. & Mrs. George Ford

Mr. & Mrs. David Frisbie

Mr. & Mrs. Raymond V. Gilmartin

Mr. & Dr. D.E. Gressette

Ms. Tara Griffin & Mr. James M. McCann

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hale

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Edward Hill

Mr. & Mrs. Pete Hineman

Mr. Richard Kramer & Ms. Meredith Hope

Dr. Eleanor Laudicina & Dr. Robert Laudicina

Dr. Bothwell G. Lee & Mrs. Lynne G. Greene

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas MacCowatt

Ms. Mary Mahoney

Mr. James McCann & Ms. Tara Griffin

Mr. & Mrs. Sam Michaels

Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Niejadlik

Mr. & Mrs. Don Riley

Mrs. & Mr. Mary Rumy

Mr. Jeffrey Sagansky & Mrs. Christy Welker

Ms. Sunny Sessa

Mrs. Suzette de Marigny Smith

Mr. & Mrs. Perry J. Spencer

Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Waggoner

Sponsor Members ($500)

Mr. & Mrs. Edward W. Callahan

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Flaherty

Mr. & Mrs. Shepard Harris

Mr. & Mrs. Neale Ireland

Mrs. Kristine L. Kane

Honorable Richard M. Kleid

Mr. & Mrs. Jason Lamport

Ms. Virginia I. Laytham

Mr. Paul C. Lowerre

Mrs. Mary C. Macfarland

Mr. Basil G. Mavroleon & Mrs. Cindy Rinfret

Mrs. Jacqueline E. Michel & Mr. David E. Weisman

Mrs. Sharon E. Owens

Mr. Jerry Petell & Mr. Kevin Rheden

Mr. & Mrs. James C. Pizzagalli

Mrs. Carol Rosenthal

Mr. Robert Slater

Mr. & Mrs. Mike Weich

Family Members ($300)

Mr. Rick Rose

Mr. & Mrs. Cheryl Beatson

Mrs. Susan DePaula

Mr. Alun Davies & Mr. Russell Nardozza

Ms. Bebe Duke & Mr. Rich Mascolo

Mr. & Mrs. Philip Dunmire

Ms. Janet L. Ellis & Mrs. Heather Ellis

Ms. Jenna Ferber

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce J. Goodman

Mr. & Mrs. George Gottlieb

Mrs. Barbara Hamilton & Mr. Jeffrey Freedman

Ms. Dorene Harling & Mr. Anthony Widenman

Mr. & Mrs. William Gibson Harris, II

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Ignaczak

Mr. & Mrs. Don Kelly

Mr. Peter W. Klein & Mrs. Jennifer Ungers-Klein

Mr. & Mrs. Ed Leonard

Mr. & Mrs. Griff Lindsay

Mr. & Mrs. Michael A. Menillo

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Mimnaugh

Mrs. Annette Nazareth & Mr. Roger Ferugson

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Nazzaro

Mr. & Mrs. Frederick Barry Nelson

Mrs. Bobbie Olson & Mr. Bruce Olson

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Perez

Mrs. Teresa Phelan & Mr. John Ford

Dr. John M. Plewes & Mrs. Toby Welch

Mr. & Mrs. Onno Robert Post

Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Restaino

Mrs. Ruby L. Riley

Mr. John Robinson & Ms. Patricia Peterson

Mr. & Mrs. David Roshkind

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Sciame

Ms. Louise H. Stephaich & Ms. Peggy Stephaich- Guinness

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce C. Stoesser

Mr. Greg Strahm & Mr. Tim Luke

Mr. Steve Strong & Dr. Lori Strong

Ms. Ginger Torres & Mr. Luis Cortes

Mr. Frederick Wallach & Ms. Mary Hevener

Mr. John D. White

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Wright

New and Renewing Members

December 14, 2023 - March 8, 2024

Individual Members ($150)

Ms. Anita Ambrogi

Ms. Carolyn Ayers

Ms. Penny Bank

Mr. George Bitting

Mr. John A. Bollero, Jr.

Ms. Linda Camel

Ms. Danielle Cameron

Mrs. Dale Connor

Mr. Evan Davis

Mr. Fredric Dicker

Mr. Harold Dickson

Mrs. Annette Doherty

Mrs. Heather Collins Floyd

Ms. Judy L. Flynn

Mrs. Angela Forster

Mrs. Joan Freedman

Mrs. Constance Galley

Mrs. Beth Jody Glass

Mrs. Martha Glasser

Ms. Dianne Golder

Mrs. Nancy Graham

Ms. Sarah Greeley

Ms. Julie Hayek

Mr. Christian Havemeyer

Ms. Debra Hazelwood

Dr. Marcia W. Hemley

Mrs. Heather T. Henry

Mrs. Lisa L. Huertas

Mr. Dominic Kruppe

Mrs. Mary Munn Laronge

Ms. Ellen Liman

Mrs. Donna Lloyd George

Ms. Kathleen Lydon

Ms. Lorraine L. Mari

Ms. Marjorie Marks

Ms. Dorothy Marziotto

Mrs. Jenny McElligott

Mrs. Harriet Miller

Mr. John E. Miller, Jr.

Mrs. Sheri Mirsepahi

Mrs. Pamelee M. Murphy

Mrs. Carol Ponder

Mrs. Anne Raddatz

Mrs. Diane M. Ramirez

Mrs. Barbara Reno

Mrs. Ann M. Riker

Ms. Karen S. Roberts

Ms. Patricia Rosen

Ms. Linda Rosenberg

Ms. Debra Ruedisili

Mr. Charles Sawicki

Ms. Elizabeth Schmier

Mrs. Barbara Schutzenhofer

Mr. Shouky Shaheen

Mrs. Mary Shaw-Rodriguez

Ms. Suzanne Smart

Mr. John M. Squarok

Mr. Julion St. Croix

Mr. Mark B. Swillinger

Mr. Miguel Tinoco

Mrs. Annette Boda Vass

Mrs. Nancy Vittorini

Mrs. Beverly Williams

Mr. Jere H. Williams Williams

Mrs. Kim Wiorski

Mrs. Marijke de Vink

Educator Members ($75)

Ms. Anne Akerson

Mr. Mark Levine

Ms. Monica Mclean

Mrs. Julie McNally

Mr. Joshua Metcalf

Mrs. Chris Wozney

Whitehall Society

Dr. Sarah Deagle

Mrs. Stephanie Elizabeth Gates

Ms. Sarah Gray

Mr. Jerry Colletti & Mrs. Annette Baggot-Colletti

Corporate Chairman ($15,000)

Clear Street, LLC

Prostate Cancer Foundation

Valuetainment

Corporate CEO ($10,000)

Global Liberty Institute

JPMorgan Chase

Corporate Executive ($5,000)

University of Virginia

Contributors, Sponsors & Grantors

December 14, 2023 - March 8, 2024

$20,000 and above

Fortin Foundation of Florida

Marmot Foundation

State of Florida Department of Arts & Culture

$15,000 and above

The Randleigh Foundation

Roe Green

$10,000 and above

Mrs. Robert T. Butler

Mr. & Mrs. Randell C. Doane

The MBS Family Foundation

Northern Trust

$5,000 and above

Bardes Fund

The David Minkin Foundation

The Milton & Tamar Maltz Family Foundation

Barry Seidman*

Sharkey Family Foundation

Sidney Kohl Family Foundation

$1,000 and above

Nicholas Christodoulidis*

Elizabeth L. Johnson Fund

Mrs. Elizabeth H. Kinney

George & Pauline Michel

Stephen & Muffie Murray

Peter R. & Cynthia K. Kellogg Foundation

Frank Rogozienski

Sallie B. Phillips Foundation

Bernie Schell In Honor of Donna Schell

Christopher Shuping

Peter C. Steingraber

$500 and below

Anonymous Donation

John A. Bollero, Jr.

Brickley Family Fund

Tina Bolton In Honor of Jeanne Burry

The Downing Family

The Edward & Lucille Kimmel Foundation

Eric Javits Family Foundation

William & Patricia Friedberg

Gertrude Coxe

Mr. & Mrs. Murray H. Goodman

Ronald S. Gross

Nancy Kyle

Drs. Robert & Eleanor Laudicina

Thomas O. McCarthy

Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Morgan

John D. Osher

Pineapple Films

Renee Herskowitz Family Fund

James P. & Cynthia L. Rooney

Mrs. Clinton R. Wyckoff, III

* Denotes a full or patial in-kind contribution

Music Series Sponsor the MBS Family Foundation representatives Michelle B. Stein and Paul Shaviv with Michael Shaham after his performance on February 13, 2024.

April 06 Bluegrass in the Pavilion

May 11 Mother’s Day Tea in the Flagler Kenan Pavilion. Available May 11-12

June 05 Founder’s Day at the Flagler Museum

July 04 Independence Day celebration in the Flagler Kenan Pavilion

Image: George Clairin, Portrait of Sarah Bernhardt, 1876. Oil on canvas. Petit Palais.