NEWS RELEASE: Historic Huguenot Street Hosts Tea Time with Acclaimed American Girl® Author Valerie Tripp

NEW PALTZ, NY (March 11, 2016) – On Saturday, April 9, Historic Huguenot Street will welcome Valerie Tripp, author of many of the acclaimed American Girl stories, for a spot of tea, sponsored by New Paltz Karate Academy. The well-known American Girls Collection – now known as BeForever™ - was introduced in 1986 to give girls the opportunity to explore the past with inspiring characters and timeless, compelling stories. Now in its 30th year, American Girl has received more than 300 awards and honors and continues to introduce new characters annually.

Tripp, who authored books about Felicity, Samantha, Molly, and other American Girl characters, will speak about her creative process and the joys of writing while guests enjoy tea, tea sandwiches, and pastries from Bridgecreek Catering. Tripp will also answer questions about her stories and sign guests’ books. A raffle will be held and one lucky winner will receive a Maryellen Larkin™ doll, complete with accessories and books about her life as an American Girl in the 1950s.

Registration is required, $25 for adults and $20 for ages 12 and under. To register and view the menu, visit huguenotstreet.org/teatime. 

Prior to the April 9 event, children ages 7 to 12 are invited to write their own Huguenot Street Girl stories from the perspective of Maria Hasbrouck, the daughter of Jean Hasbrouck and Anna Deyo, Huguenot refugees who were among the first settlers of New Paltz. Stories submitted by April 2 will be judged by Valerie Tripp and two winners (one from each age group, 7 to 9 and 10 to 12) will have their stories read aloud at the event and will take home a prize. For submission details and to learn more about Maria Hasbrouck, visit huguenotstreet.org/teatime.

A National Historic Landmark District, Historic Huguenot Street is a 501(c)3 non-profit that encompasses 30 buildings across 10 acres that was the heart of the original 1678 New Paltz settlement, including seven stone houses that date to the early eighteenth century.  It was founded in 1894 as the Huguenot Patriotic, Historical, and Monumental Society to preserve the nationally acclaimed collection of stone houses. Since then, Historic Huguenot Street has grown into an innovative museum, chartered as an educational corporation by the University of the State of New York, that is dedicated to protecting our historic buildings, conserving an important collection of artifacts and manuscripts, and promoting the stories of the Huguenot Street families, from the sixteenth century to today. 

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Contact
Kaitlin Gallucci
Communications & Marketing Manager
(845) 255-1660
media@huguenotstreet.org