March 29, 2024

‘Murder by Merlot’ to Raise Money for Museums

Wine Glasses

Photo by David Wilbanks

The Friends of the St. Clement’s Island and Piney Point Museums will present “Murder by Merlot,” an interactive murder mystery dinner, on Friday, September 14, at Olde Breton Inn, Leonardtown, Maryland.  This madcap fundraiser will help support programs, projects, exhibits and matching grants for the museums and historic sites of the St. Mary’s County Museum Division.

“Murder by Merlot” takes the audience to a fictional St. Mary’s County winery, “Heron Crest,”  for an international wine competition. Audience members are encouraged to come dressed as international jet setters who are attending the event when a murder is discovered. Guests willing to participate will be offered scripts and props and encouraged to portray their characters with over-the-top performances. These unrehearsed and spontaneous performances provide hilarious entertainment for all – and, the murderer could be you!

Doors open at 6 p.m. for hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at the cash bar. At 7 p.m. an auction of very special treasures donated by local merchants and Friends members  will be conducted by the lively and entertaining auctioneer, A. J. Bussler. In addition, a silent auction with art, jewelry, wine-themed items and other offerings will go on throughout the evening. A delicious dinner buffet will be served at 7:30 p.m. with the murder mystery performance to follow. Coffee, dessert and crime solving will conclude the evening of fun.

Reservations must be made and paid for in advance. The cost is $65 for members of The Friends and $70 for the general public.  Mastercard, Visa and checks are accepted. Call the St. Clement’s Island Museum at 301-769-2222 for more information or to make your reservation. Seating is on a first come, first served basis but groups of eight may reserve a table in advance.

Olde Breton Inn is located at 21890 Society Hill Road, off of Bull Road in the Breton Bay area of Leonardtown.

The Friends of St. Clement’s Island and Piney Point Museums is a non-profit organization whose mission is to financially support the historical interpretation, education programs and special needs of the sites and museums managed by the Museum Division of St. Mary’s County Department of Recreation and Parks. Membership information is available by calling 301-769-2222 or logging on to www.stmarysmd.com/recreate/museums and click on “Join the Friends.”

Source: St. Mary’s County Public Information Office

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