This well-illustrated lecture traces the development of the celebration of Christmas from when it was outlawed in 17th Century New England through the mid-21st Century, when all the trappings of a traditional Christmas were in place. For many, the celebration of Christmas today is the most important holiday of the year. However, many of the customs, which we take for granted as part of the current holiday festivities, are actually a product of more recent history. The presentation will look at how Christmas transformed from a rowdy celebration to a family centered event. Among the topics discussed are how Christmas trees were raised, halls were decked, and Santa Claus came to town.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Kimball Library.
About the Presenter: Ken holds a MA in Teaching, Museum Education, from the George Washington University and is a lecturer in the Tufts University Museum Studies Program where he teaches courses on historic houses and exhibition planning. Mr. Turino serves on the Board of the American Association for State and Local History and is former President of the Board of Trustees of the House of Seven Gables in Salem, MA. Along with Max van Balgooy he is an instructor for the American Association of State and Local History’s Reinventing the Historic House workshop and the two have edited, Reimaging Historic House Museums, New Approaches and Proven Solutions. Ken frequently speaks on the history of Christmas and his book Interpreting Christmas at Museums and Historic Sites was published in September 2024.