"Gossip Behind the Gates," a skit about an imaginary garden party at the Borel estate in San Mateo in the 1890s, will be presented twice during "Victorian Days in the Old Courthouse" to be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, at the San Mateo County History Museum in Redwood City.

The skit, to be offered at 12:30 and again at 3 p.m. in Courtroom A, is a Victorian chat about how high-society neighbors got rich and built their lavish mansions. The Peninsula was once a rural showpiece for California's elite, looking to exhibit their wealth through their great estates, says Mitch Postel, president of the San Mateo County Historical Association.

Other features during Victorian Days include crafts for children and one-day displays set up by the many historical societies of the Peninsula. Admission on Sept. 23 will be free.

Go to historysmc.org or call 299-0104 for more information. The history museum is located at 2200 Broadway in Redwood City.

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