It has hosted many weddings, galas, barbecues on the green and military balls, and next week, Sturdivant Hall will be a place to enjoy holiday decorations and a Christmas meal.

Sturdivant Hall will host Christmas luncheons Tuesday, Dec. 13 and Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $17.50 per person and includes a beverage, lunch and dessert. The proceeds will go towards the museum.

Director Manera Searcy said this first time event, is a way for the public to fellowship while also enjoying the mansion’s Christmas décor.

“We thought we would try it and just do two as an experiment,” Searcy said. “It’s another fundraiser for Sturdivant Hall, and it allows people to see the decorations while they’re fresh.”

The idea, Searcy said, is to get the public “interested in Sturdivant.”

“It’s a little extra fundraiser for us because we have so many expenses here,” Searcy said. “This is a small gathering where they (the public) can enjoy decorations and the rest of the museum … the gift shop will (also) be open. We’re always trying to have people interested in Sturdivant.”

Searcy anticipates a great turnout next week.

“It’s a nice break … if businesses wanted to treat their employees it’s (the event) a kind of nice thing to do,” Searcy said. “We hope it will be a popular thing, that word will get out and (that) we might be doing more luncheons next year.”

Seating is limited and reservations are required. Interested parties can register by phone at 872-5626 or online at info@sturdivanthall.com.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Sturdivant Hall’s construction began in 1852 by local resident Col. Edward T. Watts. Originally built as a town home for entertainment, today the museum houses period antique clothing, artifacts and furnishings.