CLINTON — Each year, during the holiday season, the C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum is decorated in full Victorian splendor, illuminated by candles, and filled with music.  For many, the candlelight tours have become a treasured Christmas tradition.  This year’s decorating theme is “Victorian Christmas.”

These special candlelight tours are open to the public and take place on Friday evenings only; beginning the Friday following Thanksgiving, November 29.  The remainder of the tours will take place December 6,13, and 20, from 5-8 p.m. each night.  In addition, the Museum Gift Shop, which offers a variety of Christmas ornaments and decor, gift items, museum logo merchandise, books by local authors, Apple ‘n Pork Festival apple butter, and more, will be open during the candlelight tours.   

Guests are asked to enter the house at the front door.  Tours are self-guided, so visitors may arrive anytime between the hours of 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and take as much or as little time as desired exploring the historic house, exhibits, and carriage barn.  Additional parking is available in the lot directly across the street from the museum. 

The Victorian era mansion, the centerpiece of the C.H. Moore Homestead DeWitt County Museum, is the former residence of Clifton H. Moore.  

One of DeWitt County’s leading citizens, Moore acquired his vast fortune through a land speculation partnership with Bloomington’s David Davis and was also a law partner, political supporter, and personal friend of Abraham Lincoln.  

Located at 219 E. Woodlawn, in Clinton, is also open for regular tours Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sundays through the end of the year.  Visitors are welcome to stop by for a tour at any time during the day.  Reservations are required for large groups.  To schedule a group tour, call the museum at 217-935-6066.  

Admission is $5 for adults, ages 12-18 $2.  For those age 11-under as well as members of the DeWitt County Museum Association, daily and candlelight tour admission is free.