Guided and Special Theme Group Tours

The Grout Museum District offers guided and unguided tours for each of our Grout District properties, as well as themed tours for special interests and occasions. Take a look at the special theme tour options of the Rensselaer Russell House below, and then contact us or download our group tour guide for more information on how to make your next group trip unforgettable.

Tour Operators: Click Here for our Group Tour Information form.

Rensselaer Russell House Museum Guided Tour Hours

Guided Tour: $4.00 per person (maximum 45 persons)
Self-guided Tour: Available upon request
Add Audio Tour: $3.00 per person

Suggested tour hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Tuesday through Saturday. The tour operator and bus driver are always free. Lunch is available with all tours and programs, please ask for more information when you book your tour.

Special Theme Tours

These tours offer an insider's perspective on various aspects of the museum.

Tea & Tour

Tea & Tour: $8.00 per person

A guided tour of the Rensselaer Russell House Museum followed by tea and refreshments at the Snowden House.

Tea, Tour & Talk

Tea, Tour & Talk: $9.00 per person

A guided tour of the Rensselaer Russell House Museum followed by tea and refreshments at the Snowden House and a special program based on the topics below. (Please specify program preference at the time of registration.)

• Tea Etiquette: Learn the proper manners, menu, and table setting for afternoon tea.
• Calling Cards: What were calling cards? Learn their proper use and etiquette and see some examples of Victorian calling cards.
• Parlor Games: What were popular Victorian games? Enjoy some afternoon tea and maybe even play a few games.
• Victorian Fashion: Learn about popular fashion for rich and poor Victorian men and women.
• Fan Etiquette: Did you know fans can talk? Learn what Victorian ladies were saying when they were using and flirting with their fans.
• Victorian Dining: What did Victorians have for dinner? Did they have the same rules of etiquette as we do now?
• Transportation: How did Victorians get around? Learn how they stayed warm while traveling in the winter.

Guidelines

• A non-refundable $30.00 administration fee must be paid at least two weeks prior to the scheduled tour date. This is required for all tour groups. The full amount will be applied toward the total tour cost.
• You will receive a confirmation packet detailing costs, maps and parking directions
• Submit one check for the full amount payable to the Grout Museum District. Visa, MasterCard and Discover are also accepted.
• Reservations for guided tours must be made at least two weeks prior to tour.
  
• Reservations for self-guided tours must be made at least one week prior.
  
• Reservations are booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
  
• Group tour operators are required to supply an approximate number of persons at least one week in advance.
  
• Guided tours require a fifteen person minimum. If a tour does not meet the minimum, it will automatically be changed to a self-guided tour.
  
• All Saturday tours must be self-guided unless otherwise negotiated directly with the Director of Group Tours.
• Youth tours (scouts, daycares, clubs) require 1 adult per 8 children. Those adults receive free admission.

Registration

Registration deadline for tours is no less than two weeks in advance for guided tours and one week in advance for self-guided tours. Please supply an approximate number of persons at least one week in advance. Fifteen-person minimum. Groups of 28 or more will be divided into two groups.

Please notify us if anyone has special needs or dietary restrictions.