DeBary Hall Kicks Off New Year with Family-friendly Programs

Posted On: December 15, 2025

From stargazing under the night sky to learning the steps of contra dance, DeBary Hall Historic Site is launching 2026 with an exciting array of programs designed to educate, entertain, and bring the community together.

Home Hydroponics: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8. During this free, interactive Lunch & Learn, a certified master gardener will explain how hydroponic systems work, explore the benefits of soilless gardening, and find out which plants thrive best in a hydroponic environment. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch and gardening questions for a relaxed, informative session.

Line Dancing Lessons:5:30 p.m. Thursdays Jan. 8 and 22. Line dancing is a great way to exercise your mind and body. Join DeBary Hall staff for a fun evening full of learning beginner line dances to various music genres. This program is recommended for adults. There is a $5 charge for each class.

Story Time at DeBary Hall:9:30 a.m. Fridays, Jan 9 and 23. Children are invited to Kids Corner, a free story time featuring stories, songs, and activities. The program is designed for preschoolers, but children of all ages are welcome.

Swing into Contra: 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 10. Join an experienced caller for an engaging, beginner-friendly class designed to introduce the lively tradition of contra dance. Partners and prior experience are not needed. During this free class, a caller will guide participants through each step, making it easy for everyone to join in the fun.

Lemonade Lecture: America the Beautiful:1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10. Enjoy an inspiring visual presentation and engaging conversation led by bird and travel enthusiast Eli Schaperow. This special program invites audiences to embark on a photographic journey across the United States. Through Schaperow's lens, attendees will explore the adventure, natural beauty, and diverse wildlife that define our country. This presentation is part of the free Lemonade Lectures series sponsored by Volusia County. Light refreshments and lemonade will be served.

Guided Bicycle Tour: 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14. Join DeBary Hall historians Tracy Mestre and Lisa Perez for an eight-mile bike ride from Lake Beresford Park to Blue Spring State Park and back. Riders will learn about the area's history and native plants at several stops along the way. Come for the whole tour or as far as you want to ride. Children and teens aged 12 and up are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Participants should bring a helmet and water. Sunscreen is recommended. The bike ride is free with a $2 fee for entry into Blue Spring State Park. Reservations are required; call 386-668-3840 to sign up.

Teddy Bear Tea Party: 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17. Children can bring their favorite teddy bear and step into a charming afternoon at the Teddy Bear Tea Party, hosted at DeBary Hall Historic Site. Guests will enjoy a guided tour of Frederick deBary's elegant winter hunting estate, followed by a delightful lesson in classic tea etiquette. Children and their cuddly companions will also gather for a heartwarming teddy bear story. Attendees will be served tea and apple juice along with an assortment of sandwiches and desserts. There will be plenty of opportunities for memorable teddy bear photo ops in this picturesque historic setting. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children aged 2 to 12. Tickets, which are non-refundable, must be purchased by Saturday, Dec. 10. Due to space limitations and to make sure as many children as possible have the chance to participate, each family is asked to limit their adult tickets to two. Call 386-668-3840 to purchase tickets.

Lemonade Lecture: The Cow Creek Chronicles: 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan 17. Discover a remarkable chapter of Florida's past as journalist Gregory Enns shares insights from "Cow Creek Chronicles: The Rise and Fall of an Early Florida Cattle Ranch." Enns traces the story of the Raulerson family, whose Cow Creek Ranch once stretched across 23,000 acres between Fort Pierce and Okeechobee, and explores how their century-long cattle enterprise shaped the land, the community, and local Seminole history. This presentation is part of the free Lemonade Lectures series sponsored by Volusia County. Light refreshments and lemonade will be served.

Moonlight at the Mansion: 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28. Join Derek Demeter, director of the Emil Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College, for an evening of out-of-this-world exploration. Guests are invited to view the cosmos using telescopes provided by the planetarium. The night sky will reveal stunning sights such as the craters of the Moon, the majestic rings of Saturn, the swirling bands of Jupiter, and other astronomical wonders. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or a first-time observer, this event promises an unforgettable experience for all aged. An indoor program will be provided if inclement weather arises.

Lemonade Lecture: The renal system: 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan 31. Join registered nurse Susan Araujo for an engaging and easy-to-understand exploration of the renal system - much more than just your kidneys. Learn how this vital system filters your blood, removes toxins, and maintains your body's fluid balance. Araujo will explain simple ways to monitor renal health and share practical tips for keeping your kidneys and urinary system functioning at their best. This presentation is part of the free Lemonade Lectures series sponsored by Volusia County. Light refreshments and lemonade will be served.

DeBary Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is managed by Volusia County's Parks, Recreation and Culture Division. It's open from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 198 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary. For more information, contact Lisa Perez at 386-668-3840 or [email protected].