Thomasville History Center to debut “Perfect Alignment: An Equinox Evening with Lapham” fundraising dinner at the historic Lapham-Patterson House on March 20
THOMASVILLE, Ga. – On March 20, the Thomasville History Center will debut Perfect Alignment: An Equinox Evening with Lapham, a new immersive fundraising dinner at the historic Lapham-Patterson House.
Timed with the spring equinox, the evening centers on a rare architectural phenomenon: on just two days each year, sunlight aligns with key features of the house, revealing effects that reflect the intentional design of its original owner, Charles Lapham. A dabbling Spiritualist, Lapham incorporated symbolism, orientation, and belief into the layout of the home — themes that will guide the evening’s program.
“This house was designed with intention — not just structurally, but symbolically,” said Austin Bell, Executive Director of the Thomasville History Center. “The equinox gives us a rare opportunity to see the Lapham-Patterson House exactly as Charles Lapham meant it to be experienced. Perfect Alignment allows us to connect architecture, belief, and the natural world in a way that feels both historic and immediate, while directly supporting the preservation of this extraordinary home.”
The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour featuring live piano music performed from period sheet music preserved in the History Center’s collection. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a signature equinox-inspired sangria, and a selection of regional wines while exploring the house. Tarot card readings and docent-guided equinox light viewings will add to the immersive experience.
Dinner will be served in the courtyard, weather permitting, allowing guests to enjoy the evening and a presentation on Lapham’s Spiritualist beliefs and their influence on the home’s architecture. The evening concludes with period phonograph recordings playing as guests take a final stroll through the house.
Seating is intentionally limited to preserve the intimate nature of the experience, and table sponsorship opportunities are available.
Perfect Alignment is the first annual fundraiser created exclusively to support the preservation and programming of the Lapham-Patterson House, which operates with its own dedicated
budget under the stewardship of the Thomasville History Center in partnership with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Historic Preservation Division.
Advance tickets are required and must be purchased by Friday, March 13. For tickets and information, visit www.thomasvillehistory.org.
About the Thomasville History Center
The Thomasville History Center is located at 725 N. Dawson Street in the heart of Thomasville’s Dawson Street Residential Historic District. The Center is open Monday through Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Guided tours of the Lapham-Patterson House at 626 N. Dawson Street are available Thursday through Saturday. For admission prices or to learn more, visit www.ThomasvilleHistory.org and follow @ThomasvilleHistory on Facebook and Instagram
Copyright 2026 South Georgia News. All rights reserved.
