Biltmore Storytellers
"It's not only the house and gardens that make the estate so unique...it's the people of Biltmore."
–Bill Cecil, Jr., President and CEO of The Biltmore Company, great grandson of George W. Vanderbilt
Looking for a fresh new way to energize your organization's next program or fundraiser? Let our Storytellers present a topic that will spark the imagination and delight the interest of any audience.
Choices include George Vanderbilt's expansive library and art collection, Frederick Law Olmsted's garden and landscape design, the business of running America's largest home, and much more.
Our skilled Storytellers combine archival materials, photography and oral history to offer new perspectives on one of our nation's most beloved National Historic Landmarks.
In addition, our "Biltmore Presents" series provides hands-on demonstrations featuring our lifestyle experts in floral arranging, entertaining and much more.
For information on program fees and scheduling, contact Biltmore Storytellers at 828-225-6709 or via e-mail.
Programs Currently Available:
Biltmore: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Discover Biltmore from the inside out with this slide program. After highlighting the property's fascinating history, your Storyteller leads a behind-the-scenes tour of Biltmore's current day operations—from ongoing restoration projects to the estate's agricultural legacy and upcoming events. A look to the future offers a sneak preview of what to expect ahead.
A Garden Walk Through History: Frederick Law Olmsted at Biltmore
Take a virtual tour of Biltmore's spectacular gardens—from the informal Shrub Garden to the Walled Garden's pattern beds. While archival photographs document the grounds' century-long history, contemporary images demonstrate the scope of Olmsted's genius and the lasting beauty of his work.
Welcome to the Vanderbilts': Entertaining at Biltmore
In a letter written in 1905, George Vanderbilt's sister-in-law, Pauline Merrill describes a day spent in the company of her family at Biltmore. Using this delightful letter, together with receipts, menus, oral history, and research, this program explores the simple, yet tantalizing, question: what was it like to be a guest at Biltmore?
George Vanderbilt as Collector: Art at Biltmore House
Still intact inside Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt's art collection includes many priceless treasures—and intriguing clues to their owner's personality. Explore the riches inside Biltmore House—from John Singer Sargent's oil portraits to the Banquet Hall's 16th-century Flemish tapestries—and uncover the stories they tell us.
A Booklover at Home: The Biltmore Library
An avid bibliophile, Vanderbilt exhibited the full range of his curiosity in his 24,000-volume library. A century later, Biltmore's curators have discovered that it stands as one of the nation's greatest private collections. With this presentation, survey the bookshelves of Biltmore House and the rare treasures they conceal.
All That Jazz: Roaring 20s at Biltmore
In the jazz-filled 1920s, newlyweds John and Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil plunged into the decade's spirit, hosting lively house parties and elaborate masquerades. Discover this carefree era of Biltmore's history through the eyes of this young family, with the help of archival photography, oral history and newspaper accounts.
The Tradition Continues: Christmas at Biltmore
In keeping with the Vanderbilts' legacy of hospitality, Biltmore celebrates the season with lavish decorations inspired by the grandeur of the house and its surroundings. Using archival materials and stunning contemporary photography, The Tradition Continues: Christmas at Biltmore explores a century of holiday traditions at Biltmore.
The Biltmore Company: Where Business and Preservation Mix
When William Cecil claimed his grandfather's Biltmore, he defied conventional wisdom by choosing to operate the property as a privately owned historic attraction. At a time when public funding for museums and historic sites is diminishing, this program examines the lessons learned in managing America's largest private home.
Field to Table: Helpful Hint from Biltmore's Kitchen Garden
With this informative slide presentation, a Biltmore horticulture expert takes a behind-the-scenes look at Biltmore's 10-acre kitchen garden, which supplies the estate's restaurants with a wide array of fruits and vegetables. Highlighting a variety of seasonal crops, the program includes growing and harvesting techniques for the home gardener.
"Biltmore Presents" Demonstrations Series:
"Elegant Tabletops from the Garden"
During this hands-on demonstration program, a Biltmore floral design specialist draws inspiration from nature to create extraordinary effects for the home table. Using flowers and natural materials which are readily available, your speaker designs surprising tablescapes, including topiaries and tabletop wreaths, both quick and easy to reproduce.
"Entertaining with Ease and Elegance"
Offering a welcoming and festive atmosphere does not have to be a labor of love. With "Entertaining with Ease and Elegance," Biltmore experts provide simple yet creative suggestions for your next party. Your speaker draws on two themes: a "Wine Party Made Easy" and "Bringing the Outdoors In," for ideas and inspiration.
"Fresh Flower Arranging Made Simple"
With "Fresh Flower Arranging Made Simple," an expert speaker shares the professional secrets used to design the magnificent floral creations seen throughout Biltmore House. While creating a floral design especially for your group, your speaker demonstrates different arranging styles and shares practical techniques for use in the home.
"The Many Uses of Herbs"
Few plants are easier to grow than herbs, and thankfully, they are as simple to use as they are to cultivate. After featuring growing and harvesting techniques, your presenter illustrates how herbs can be used in floral arrangements, to flavor your cooking, enhance your entertaining and even create delightful hostess gifts.
"Natural Holiday Wreaths to Grace the Season"
Your speaker draws inspiration from Christmas at Biltmore and the surrounding winter landscape to create holiday wreaths that capture the season's spirit. From America's largest home to yours, discover surprising but simple styles, techniques, and materials that make the most of your seasonal decor.
Additional presentations are available. Please note that fulfillment of presentation requests depends on the availability of our Storytellers. To contact Biltmore Storytellers, e-mail us. You may also call 828-225-6709 or fax 828-225-6139.