• Melissa Doty of North Bennington, Vermont, dances with Catherine Backer of the Footwork and Frolic Society.
    Melissa Doty of North Bennington, Vermont, dances with Catherine Backer of the Footwork and Frolic Society. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • Claire Pass of Dublin promenades with Quinn Burgess of the Footwork and Frolic Society while learning a line dance.
    Claire Pass of Dublin promenades with Quinn Burgess of the Footwork and Frolic Society while learning a line dance. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • The Footwork and Frolic Society, including Catherine Backer and Lauren Garrison, front, and James Sadino and Quinn Burgess, back, show examples of 1800s dances.
    The Footwork and Frolic Society, including Catherine Backer and Lauren Garrison, front, and James Sadino and Quinn Burgess, back, show examples of 1800s dances. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • Corey Spence and Spike Dean of Rockport, Mass. create boutinnieres.
    Corey Spence and Spike Dean of Rockport, Mass. create boutinnieres. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • Kathy Livingston and Debra Szylvian enjoy tea on the lawn.
    Kathy Livingston and Debra Szylvian enjoy tea on the lawn. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • Kayla and Brandon Salisbury of Milford dress for the occassion.
    Kayla and Brandon Salisbury of Milford dress for the occassion. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript
  • Visitors have a tea party on the lawn of the Barrett mansion, also known as Forrest Hall, in New Ipswich on Saturday.
    Visitors have a tea party on the lawn of the Barrett mansion, also known as Forrest Hall, in New Ipswich on Saturday. Credit: ASHLEY SAARI / Ledger-Transcript

Historic New England hosted a Regency-era garden party Saturday on the lawn of the Barrett House, featuring period dancing, lawn games, and afternoon tea across the 70-acre estate.

Barrett House, also known as Forest Hall, was built in 1800 by prominent local citizen Charles Barrett Sr. as a wedding gift for his son, Charles Jr., and daughter-in-law, Martha Minot. The home’s interior was outfitted by Minot’s father, who pledged to furnish the residence as lavishly as the structure itself.

The afternoon event included guided tours of the historic home, culminating in the third-floor ballroom where members of the Footwork & Frolic Society performed period dances and taught steps to attendees.

Outdoors on the lawn, guests participated in traditional games such as croquet, created custom boutonnieres and corsages, and attended a tea party catered by Silver Scones of New Ipswich.