Time Travel to Holidays Past and Explore Holiday Traditions of the South with Music, Performances, Decorations, and Demonstrations.
The holidays are an enchanting time for families and communities to gather together and share time honored traditions and charity through the season. From folklore and literature to silver screen, the adage goes “there is magic in the season.” Regardless of the challenges of one’s circumstances, the holidays spark the collective spirit of joy and giving.
Explore The Holiday Spirit with the Atlanta History Center on Saturday, December 15, 2012 from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM. This annual holiday program is filled with family activities that celebrate the season, past to present. Holiday crafts, live music, storytelling, decorations, demonstrations, engaging theatrical performances, and a visit from Saint Nicholas provide fun-filled opportunities for families with little ones to create memories while examining the indelible spirit of the season.
Journey to Holidays Past is a highlight of this event. Time travel to the year 1862 at Smith Family Farm and the year 1933 at Swan House and discover how Atlanta residents celebrated the holidays during challenging times when practices of sustainability, getting by, and cutting costs were necessities.
At Smith Family Farm, a friendly spirit assists you as you journey back in time to meet members of the Smith farm and their neighbors as they prepare for the holidays and welcome soldiers returning from war on furlough. Demonstrations of blacksmithing, candle-dipping, and open-hearth cooking showcase time-honored traditions of the South. Speak with the mistress of the farm and enslaved cook Maude to learn more about their holiday plans and the responsibilities.
At Swan House, step back in time to the holiday of 1933 where you experience the grounds and holiday decorations at the home of one of Atlanta’s most elite residents. Make the acquaintance of friendly spirits including the Inman’s chauffer, gardener, and maid who share stories of what life was like for Inman family members and household servants during the holiday.
Visit the museum to explore modern holiday traditions through a variety of ongoing family activities including historic characters, holiday craft making, storytelling, and musical performances. Little ones are sure to enjoy a visit with Santa from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Be sure to bring your own camera to capture the memory. Guests may snap another memorable image beside “Percival” the Pink Pig, an Atlanta holiday tradition on display in the Centennial Olympic Games Museum atrium.
Additional offerings include self-guided tours of the Atlanta History Center’s award-winning and temporary exhibitions. Be sure to catch one or all of the special gallery character performances designed to bring history to life. Check out tablescopes and vignettes exploring twenty different international holidays in the temporary display, Passport to Celebrations. And, don’t forget to browse the museum shop for those special one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.
“The Holiday Spirit” is free for members and included in the cost of general admission for nonmembers. City Pass accepted. Purchase advance tickets online and save at www.AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/Spirit.
