UPDATE (2 p.m. Dec. 17)—Tickets for the open house will be available at the door. Patch will be reporting from the event.

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It's engraved on the Perry Hall High School ring and appears on Perry Hall's welcome signs, but few have actually set foot inside the Perry Hall Mansion.

That's expected to change, however, 4-7:30 p.m. on Dec. 17, during the Perry Hall Mansion Holiday Open House, featuring drinks and refreshments, musical performances, children’s activities, raffles and items for sale from the Mansion Store.

"It's a great opportunity to see the site where so much Perry Hall history was made, and even better to see it with all of the holiday decorations," said Jeff Smith, president of the Friends of the Perry Hall Mansion organization.

County Councilman David Marks announced a proposal in September that ownership of the mansion be transferred from the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks to a nonprofit entity. Under new ownership, the Friends of the Perry Hall Mansion would oversee the restoration and use of the building and have more freedom to open it up to the community, Marks stated.

Previously, county regulations had prevented public use of the building, causing last year's holiday event to be held outdoors on the mansion's lawn. County officials approved use of the mansion for this year's holiday party in November.

All proceeds from tickets to the open house will go toward mansion restoration, Smith said, adding that every aspect of the event will be donated by volunteers.

Tickets for members will be $20 each or $30 for a pair, and for non-members,  $25 each or $40 for a pair. Children, accompanied by an adult, are admitted free. Friends membership is $10 per household, $5 per person or $30 per organization or business. An order form is available on the Friends website, as well as on the Patch event listing.

Community members are also encouraged to contribute an ornament to the mansion's 12-foot Christmas tree in the grand hall. Volunteers are also needed to assist with the event. Details and contact information are available on the Patch event listing.