Join architectural historian and raconteur Curt DiCamillo for an illustrated madcap tour of murder mysteries set in the English country house. The country house murder mystery is a uniquely British creation. From its 19th-century literary roots to today’s movies, television programs, and even board games, the genre has become a staple of British pop culture and an international phenomenon. The setting could not be more enticing: a weekend at a lovely, civilized stately home in the countryside, complete with book-lined libraries, secret passages, impressive art collections, and, of course, murder! Experience the adventures of Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Inspector Barnaby of Midsomer Murders, and many more crime-solving fictional characters as Curt DiCamillo takes us on a delightful romp through luscious country houses, gorgeous landscapes, and decorous backdrops, brought to life through literature and film.
Join the Live Broadcast
Click here to join the live broadcast: https://zoom.us/j/96173177298
Friday, June 26, 2026 4:00 - 5:30 PM (ET)
If you are unable to attend the live session, you will be able to view a recording on this webpage.
About the Speaker
Curt DiCamillo, who joined American Ancestors in February of 2016 as the organization’s first Curator of Special Collections, is an internationally recognized authority on British historic houses and the decorative arts (his award-winning website on British country houses can be found here: TheDiCamillo.com). Before coming to American Ancestors, Curt was the Executive Director of The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, where he successfully raised more than $7 million and initiated many innovative programs. As Curator of Special Collections, he provides strategic direction for organizing and exhibiting our extensive collection of fine art and family history-related artifacts, leads the Society’s Heritage Tours, and provides educational outreach through American Ancestors' extensive webinar series. In recognition of his work, Curt has been presented to the late Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and The Prince of Wales. He is an alumnus of the Royal Collection Studies program, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and a member of the Council of the American Museum in Britain. Curt’s book, Villa Astor: Paradise Restored on the Amalfi Coast, was published in 2017 by Flammarion. He is also the brother of the award-winning author Kate DiCamillo, something of which he’s extraordinarily proud.
Other Resources
Curt DiCamillo's Country House Database
Pronunciation Guide
Historic Houses Website