Lies the Tour Guide Told Me: with Tom McGehee

Well-meaning tour guides in historic homes have been known to embellish the stories surrounding a house and its occupants. These “facts” seem to take on a life of their own and are passed on to the next generation, which adds even more embellishments.

As a result, generations have learned that console tables backed with mirrors were designed so ladies could check their petticoats, that old houses never had closets and that the purpose of fire screens was to prevent a lady’s beeswax makeup from melting.

We will look at these tall tales and then discuss how the story of the Bellingrath Home and its contents have dramatically evolved over the last 50 years. The program is included with regular Gardens admission, and it’s free for Bellingrath members.

Plan Your Visit

• Date: August 19, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
• Location: Magnolia Room
• Purchase Tickets