Monday, November 30, 2009

Christmas at the Ross Historical Center

Ross Historical Center exterior decorations

The Ross Historical Center has been decorated for the holiday season. Last month, volunteers and staff worked tirelessly to string garland, check and re-check lights, fluff bows, and decorate the 10 trees in the house. Our holiday decorations are inspired by Victorian Christmas decorations which would have showcased the beauty
and design of the house. Lighted garlands adorn our large open stairway. As this is the first thing visitors see when entering the home, it creates quite an impression. All seven fireplace mantels in the house are decked out with garland, lights, ribbons, or decorations created by local school children. The trees in the house all feature festive holiday ornaments designed by the school children of Shelby County. Many children visit the Ross Historical Center at Christmas to proudly point out their ornament to their family. The display cases in the museum are filled with toys of yesterday and today, proving that Christmas has always been a magical time for children.

The Ross Historical Center has already been filled with festive holiday cheer! In November, we hosted the popular Angels in the Attic craft show. This craft show brings over 800 visitors to the museum. On November 19, our annual Christmas Dinner was held. 68 people gathered at the Ross Historical Center for a holiday dinner themed on the immigrants that helped make Shelby County great. Society Director Tilda Phlipot was awarded a recognition for her tireless work to educate the youth of Shelby County about their unique history. Through countless events, programs, and outreach activities, Tilda has affected the lives of countless county youth.

On Saturday, December 5th, from 11am to 4pm, the Shelby County Historical Society will hold its Christmas of Yesteryear. An annual tradition for more than 10 years, this program is free and open to the public. Children will have the opportunity to visit with Santa and have their picture taken, make a Victorian ornament, design their own clay pot, put together a quilted stocking, and make gingerbread house. Additionally, the sound of toy trains will fill the house and children will be able to watch them in action. Children of all ages will enjoy seeing the Ross Historical Center decorated for the holidays. Historical Society merchandise will be available for purchase, many items at a discounted rate. Please join us on Saturday and help us usher in the holiday season!

Feel free to stop by the Ross Historical Center during our open hours to enjoy the beauty of our Victorian home decorated for the holidays! We (and our nutcracker doormen!) will be happy to welcome you!