La Porte County Historical Society Museum Holiday Happenings & Schedule

LaPorte-DowntownHow about making some new memories and traditions with your family this year? The La Porte County Historical Society Museum has the honor and privilege of preserving memories as well as making new ones. Therefore, our theme this year is “Historical Holidays: Traditions Saved ~Memories Made”.

Our visitors and friends have been writing down their favorite Holiday memories. We are taking these and reenacting as many as possible. All will be on display at the museum till the middle of January 2013. As an example, several people remember seeing a Christmas tree with real lit candles. Even though they only glowed for a short time, it made a huge impact. In our Victorian Parlor, the tree has antique candle-holders and the stories are shared with the public. On the lower level, the Giese Church, a well-known Holiday tradition, is up and running for its 66th Season. Remember when “Prancer” was filmed in 1989? Some artifacts from the movie are on display. Also, the period rooms are again decorated for the Holidays using ornaments from their particular time periods.

During the month of December, there will be programs most every Saturday. Plans include a one-man presentation of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” performed by professional storyteller, Grant Fitch. Grant plays all the characters by changing his voice. Dori Huber and Patti Sallwasser will be on hand to teach the little ones a special Christmas craft. $1 will be charged to cover the cost of supplies. A Victorian New Years party will also be taking place, and what Holiday would be complete without a visit from the Big Guy himself! A special Christmas Scavenger Hunt has been created and every Saturday there will be cookies and caroling.

The schedule of events for Saturdays in December at the museum is:

Saturday, December 8th
10am-3pm
“A Visit with Santa Claus”

Saturday, December 15th
11am and again at 1pm-- Christmas Craft project for kids
2pm- One-man presentation of “A Christmas Carol” by Grant Fitch

Saturday, December 22nd
1pm- Program- “La Porte County Christmas Traditions” by County Historian, Fern Eddy Schultz, and “Historical Holiday Memories” read by Curator, Susie Richter

Saturday, December 29th
1pm- Victorian-themed New Years’ Party, featuring customs and food of Victorian times.

The La Porte County Historical Society Museum is located at 2405 Indiana Avenue in La Porte, and is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 – 4:30. Call ahead for admission prices at 219-324-6767, or visit the website at www.laportecountyhistory.org. Children under 12 enter free. The facility is accessible to those with disabilities.