Vrooman Mansion is putting its lawn to good use with a movie on the lawn in Bloomington IL this summer. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs to Vrooman Mansion on August 10, 2019 and join us for the fun. As a guest of the Mansion, we will provide you with blankets and seats if you choose to attend this fun community event. Our family-friendly movie night is free and tasty movie snacks will be available for purchase. We’re excited to connect people from different places and different generations with a soon-to-be-determined oldie but goodie. While we can’t choose one as old as Vrooman Mansion (we’re celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, which predates the first motion pictures), the movie will certainly take us back in time a bit.

A Bit of Movie History

The first “movie” is, in fact, a series of photographs taken rapidly by multiple cameras to learn whether all four of a horse’s feet were ever off the ground at the same time as it ran. (They are.) The Horse in Motion, made in 1878, was only a bit more high-tech than a flip book. The first film showing actual consecutive action, Roundhay Garden Scene, is only 2.11 seconds. Hardly a movie, but it is classified as a film – the world’s earliest surviving motion-picture film, according to the Guinness Book of Records. It was made in 1888.

Event Venue with Character

Although the movie night is free, we are accepting donations. All proceeds will go to the restoration of Vrooman’s stained glass windows. These beautifully crafted antiques provide the Mansion with some of its authentic character, which is an asset to Bloomington-Normal and a showcase of its history. Our beautiful mansion also enriches the experience of your stay, whether it be for personal getaways, events such as weddings and showers, or professional retreats. Learn more about Vrooman and let us help you plan your next event!