ABOUT LILIAN PLACE HERITAGE CENTER
& THE HERITAGE PRESERVATION TRUST
TOURS: Lilian Place 1884 Victorian Museum open daily
1-4:00pm for guided tours.
(temporarily closed for tours)
$5.00 per person (FREE: children 12 & under and HPT members)
Grounds (2.5 acres of riverfront) open daily 9am-5pm for FREE self guided tours.
ABOUT LILIAN PLACE
Lilian Place is the oldest grand house on Daytona's beachside. This Italianate Victorian house was built in 1884 by one of the city's first settlers Laurence Thompson (1848-1920). Lilian Place sat abandoned and neglected until December of 2009, when the Trust was awarded a Volusia County ECHO Grant to acquire this significant site.
This prime example of Italianate High Victorian architecture with its high ceilings, carved woodwork, and heart-of-pine floors is one of only two in Volusia County, Florida. Lilian Place named after Lilian Thompson (1873-1934), daughter of Laurence Thompson, who lived in the house until her death. Lilian Place is now restored to its original 1880's glory. It's period furniture and artifacts bring history alive. Step back into the past with us and relive the days when Lilian Place was the only mansion on the beachside.
ABOUT HOTCHKISS HOUSE
The Historic Hotchkiss House is located next door to Lilian Place. In 1905 Eliphalet Hubbell Hotchkiss (1858-1917), marketer of the Hotchkiss stapler and known as "the Stapler King" had his 3-story home built high overlooking the Halifax River.
Gertrude Hotchkiss Heyn, took over the ownership of the house in 1916. She was a benefactor to the community and donated the Hotchkiss house property with all furnishings to the Halifax Hospital. Six months later, Eliza Thompson Mather, granddaughter of Laurence Thompson, purchased the property, so the Thompson family came full circle to once again have possession of Hotchkiss House.
View the video below to learn more about Lilian Place from Pat Bennett, the granddaughter of Laurence Thompson.
Now converted into an event site with a spectacular patio overlooking the river. The property is available for parties, meetings, weddings and special events. Step into the past for a Victorian Tea the 3rd Tuesday or last Sunday of each month or one of our History Socials, Mystery Dinners or Paranormal Experiences. Check the event calendar for special events!
(26 Minutes) Documentary produced, written and edited by Susan Cardillo
LILIAN PLACE HERITAGE CENTER:
The nonprofit Heritage Preservation Trust was formed in 2006 and acquired Lilian Place in 2009. Lilian Place, a beautiful Victorian, is the original home of one of the founding families of Daytona, the Thompson's and is now a wonderful 1884 Victorian Museum open for tours.
In 2012, the Trust acquired the 1905 Historic Hotchkiss House original home of Eli Hotchkiss "the Stapler King" and is now the Lilian Place Heritage Center cultural event site.
Both historic properties were saved through Volusia County ECHO grants.
These are two of the oldest and finest examples of late nineteenth century architecture on Daytona beachside. Join us for a Victorian Tea, History Social, History, Spirits and Legends event, Mystery Dinner, or enjoy a wonderful tour of Lilian Place 1884 Museum!
Check out the new Honey Bee (apiary) keeping area:
Bees are essential to an abundant and thriving plant culture. We will be sharing our experience of setting up and maintaining an apiary (also known as a bee yard). Learn about the Bee Yard on Sunday's from 1-2pm from our bee keeper, John Dillard.
Halifax River Blueway access:
Enjoy the Halifax river access. Kayak groups can enter the Halifax River Blueway (appointment required call 386-256-4810). The Halifax River Blueway is a 17-mile-long paddling trail on the Intracoastal Waterway. Offering an interesting view of several Volusia County beachside cities, its launch locations include Tomoka State Park (above Ormond Beach), Riverfront Park (in South Daytona), and Wilbur Boat House (in Wilbur-by-the-Sea) and now Lilian Place.
Working together...
We are a non-profit organization established by concerned citizens to help preserve the architectural and historical heritage of the Volusia County area.
HERITAGE PRESERVATION TRUST:
Is a 501c3 non-profit group committed to historical preservation and education in Volusia County. We are the owners of Lilian Place Historic House, the oldest home on Daytona Beachside built in 1884, made famous by Stephen Crane in his story “The Open Boat” and Hotchkiss House, built in 1905 original home of Eli Hotchkiss "The Stapler King". We are committed to repairing and renovating both sites for a heritage museum and cultural events center open to the community.
Our fundraising goals will help with repairs and provide matching funds for grants. With your help, we can accomplish our objective of preserving the past for the future.
The Heritage Preservation Trust depends upon your patronage to reach our goal to preserve history. Please help us make our history an important part of your future! Click below to donate today!