Alice Hardie Stevens Center

The Alice Hardie Stevens Event Center, named for the woman responsible for spearheading the drive to save the Ivinson Mansion from demolition, was built in the early 1920s as a gymnasium and dorm for use by the Jane Ivinson School for Girls. It is owned and operated by the Laramie Plains Museum and provides much of the revenues needed for Museum operations. Our venue is used mainly for wedding and anniversary receptions, special parties and other community events; it may be rented by itself or as part of a package with our other rental facilities. Large events or small, we would like to welcome you to celebrate on the grounds of this historic home.

The Center is a large room with a beautiful wood floor and grand production stage, with a vaulted wooden beamed ceiling and chandaliers, and a full catering kitchen. There are four public bathrooms and a lovely bridal suite with an attached bathroom that is convenient for the bride and her attendants to exit for a wedding on the Museum's east lawn. The Center is ADA accessible with parking available close to the facility.

The kitchen has two stoves with ovens, 2 microwaves, an industrial-size refrigerator plus a large freezer, 2 sink prep areas, and a dishwasher. We offer the use of two coffee percolators. (No catering services are provided by the Laramie Plains Museum, but you can choose the caterer of your choice.)

The Center has 12 x 8' rectangle tables (30" wide); 9 x 6' rectangle tables (30" wide); 25 x 60" round tables which can seat 8 guests each; 8 x 48" square card tables; 4 high top cocktail tables and 4 smaller cocktail tables; and 200 Chavari chairs are also included. We have 200 white metal and plastic folding chairs that may be used outside.

Please be aware that this is a residential area and you will be responsible for keeping the noise to a reasonable level, especially after 10:00 p.m. There are decorating restrictions (i.e. no tape on walls or confetti guns) because of the historic nature of the structure. These are detailed on the AHSC rental contract (available from the Laramie Plains Museum office or email).

As the Alice Hardie Stevens Event Center is one of the most popular reception halls in Laramie, we suggest getting your date locked in as early as possible!

Please call to inquire about pricing: 307-742-4448

East Lawn

The lush lawn on the grounds of the Laramie Plains Museum is available for private functions including weddings, receptions, fund-raisers, Holiday parties, seminars, and many other gatherings. The East Lawn is a full quarter of the Ivinson block. It is a manicured lawn surrounded by Victorian gardens and mature trees. Buildings on the grounds are not accessible for the party unless you have made arrangements with the Museum staff. 200 white folding chairs and a black iron arch are available for your use. Lawn games such as corn hole or croquet are welcomed!

Reservations

Reservations are made on a first come, first serve basis by calling the Laramie Plains Museum (307-742-4448) or visiting the Carriage House office located to the rear of the Ivinson Mansion property. Rental dates, particularly for summer weekends, around the holidays, or for area graduations, fill up quickly and far in advance.

Photographs In The Mansion

Photo privilege is available in the Ivinson Mansion for a unique Victorian backdrop on your wedding day. Arrangements must be made with the museum staff so that the Mansion is open for your pictures and so that tours of the museum will not infringe upon your photo session. You and your photographer must be aware of the restrictions and care that must be taken with the historic furnishings and interior. Variable pricing upon request.

Refundable Security Deposit

Your deposit serves two purposes: to secure the date and to cover damages that may have occurred during your rental use. If the facility is left in good condition, your deposit will be returned by mail as soon as possible after your event. Since deposits have been set at very fair rates, renters agree to be responsible for any damages occurring to the historic buildings, grounds, or artifacts that exceed the deposit. If circumstances arise that cause you to not use the facility after a deposit has been made, it will be refunded by mail if at least 10 days notice has been given. Last minute cancellations mean that the non-profit museum has lost out on other rental revenue while holding the facility for you. Any withheld deposit may be deemed as reasonable compensation for such loss.