Rediscover the Holidays, 1880s Style

Have you ever paused to imagine how holidays free of commercialism would feel? Have you ever pondered how our holiday traditions came to be? This Sunday at the Museum, you can experience a rustic, historic 1880s Christmas just as it was on the High Desert frontier.

Our re-created settlement town, Silver City, replete with bank, assayer's office and Chinese mercantile, will be visited by the Victorian-era Father Christmas, who represented the season's spirit of good cheer. In a nod to modernity, children can have their picture taken with him in his flowing, emerald robe and white beard, and tell him what they want this holiday.

In this historically accurate setting, it's easy to imagine that you are a homesteader, or have come West to stake a mining claim and reap a fortune. For those who pioneered this region, celebrating the holidays was a welcome respite from harsh conditions in a new land.

As you nibble on gingerbread, listen to 1880s music played live by the Thorn Hollow String Band, and take in our other exhibits, we think you'll take home an experience unlike any other. It's all part of our mission, helping you to discover your connection to the past, role in the present, and responsibility to the future.

Dec. 5, 11 am-3:30 pm $10 (plus admission). Members, $5.
Thorn Hollow String Band plays 1 pm - 3 pm.