Norman Rockwell, Currier & Ives, Charles Dickens and Clement Clarke Moore have given us enduring images of the holiday season, many that are now part of family traditions. In November and December, the Ohio Historical Center and Ohio Village are hosting special events featuring these artists and their visions of holidays past.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is the traditional start of the holiday season and, for many people, a turkey with all the fixin’s is as American as Norman Rockwell and apple pie. On Nov. 15 from noon to 5 p.m., "We Gather Together" will present what Thanksgiving was like in the 1940s and sample some food associated with the holiday and the numerous illustrations that Rockwell painted for The Saturday Evening Post. It will include the trial of Tom Turkey, crafts and stories. Free with admission.
As a prelude to your own Thanksgiving holiday, enjoy a traditional holiday at Ohio Village's In Praise of Thanksgiving Dinner Concert Nov. 16 from 4-7 p.m. Reservations requested.
Harmony for the Holidays
Experience Rockwell’s America in “perfect harmony” as members of The Music Men Barbershop Quartet fill the exhibit and the Ohio Historical Center with song. The barbershop quartet will entertain with their a cappella singing throughout the center on Nov. 8 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec. 13 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Dec. 14 from 2-4 p.m., Jan. 17, 2009 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Jan. 24, 2009 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Feb. 14, 2009 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and Feb. 21, 2009 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free with admission.
Holiday Greetings
Looking for a creative family holiday photo idea? For Get the Picture: Holiday Card Photography on Nov. 15, 23 and 29, a photographer will snap that perfect family holiday photo as you literally step into a life-sized vintage holiday greeting card. Times: Saturday, Nov. 15 and 29 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 23 from noon to 4 p.m.
A Visit from St. Nick
It’s not often that you get to meet a 19th-century poet, but on Dec. 4, 11 and 18, Clement Moore of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas fame will be at the Ohio Historical Center for an Echoes in Time Theatre presentation. Moore, portrayed by Ronald St. Pierre, will talk about his life and how his family inspired his classic holiday poem about St. Nick. Free with admission. Performances are at 7 and 8 p.m.
A Dickens of a December
Sample several quirky concoctions at this old-fashioned “pub crawl” and learn the lore of some 19th-century beverages at The Pleasure of the Cup on Dec. 6 from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Ohio Village. Complete your rounds at the American House Hotel for refreshments and tavern songs. Participants must be 21 years of age. Reservations requested.
Author Charles Dickens created a festive and enduring image of Christmas in the Victorian era and our costumed interpreters bring it to life during Dickens of a Christmas at the Ohio Village Dec. 12–13 and 19–21. Experience the holidays with caroling, traditional holiday crafts, storytelling and entertainment. The event is from 6-9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 5 p.m., Sunday.
Food, song and storytelling make for a special holiday gathering at the Ohio Village. Reserve your spot at a Dickens of a Dinner on Dec. 12–13 or 19–20 at 6 p.m. or Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for Christmas Brunch. Afterwards, take time to enjoy the festivities at Dickens of a Christmas.
If you’ve ever wondered about what happened to Scrooge after his Christmas morning reformation you are in for a surprise in a dinner theatre production of Dickens of a Mystery. On Dec. 17 and 18 from 7-9 p.m., enjoy a dinner buffet, witness a series of events and then help solve the mystery. Reservations requested.
Special Holiday Tours
Spending quality time with friends and family just got a little easier this holiday season. There will additional opportunities to view the Rockwell’s America and Currier & Ives: Illustrating America around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.
Beginning Nov. 28, the day after Thanksgiving, and continuing on Dec. 5, 12, 19 and 26 and Jan. 2, the Ohio Historical Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays. For weary shoppers or those who have long since had their gifts wrapped, the extended hours provide a little extra after-dinner time to enjoy these special exhibits. Both provide enduring imagery that most Americans associate with traditional holiday celebrations.
If you’ve got extra vacation time in December, or you need to get your kids or out-of-town visitors out of the house for awhile, take advantage of the Ohio Historical Center’s special open days on Dec. 22-23 and 29-30 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission to the Ohio Historical Center is $8/adult, $7/senior, $4/child age 6-12 and free to Ohio Historical Society members. Rockwell’s America is an additional $3. For more information about holiday events, visit www.ohiohistory.org/calendar or call 614-297-2300.