2009

The Spirit of Christmas Past:
Three Centuries of Christmas in New England
A Lecture by Kenneth C. Turino,
Manager of Community Engagement and Exhibitions
at Historic New England
Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
at the Maine Historical Society
Free to all Portland History Docents and the Public

This well-illustrated lecture traces the development of the celebration of Christmas from the time it was outlawed in 17th-century New England through the beginning of the 20th century, when all trappings of a traditional Christmas were in place. For many people today, Christmas is the most important holiday of the year. But many of the customs that we take for granted are actually a product of more recent history. Kenneth C. Turino looks at how Christmas was transformed from a rowdy celebration to a family-centered event. Among the topics discussed will be how the Christmas tree became popular, halls were decked, and Santa Claus came to town.

Holiday Tour of Victoria Mansion in American Sign Language
By Brenda Schertz, Lecturer, University of Southern Maine
Friday, December 11, 2009, 2:00 p.m.
Tickets $11/Adult and $3/Child

During the holidays, Victoria Mansion is transformed into a spectacular holiday wonderland by local designers and florists. This year's holiday theme is "Let the Christmas Bells Ring: Celebrating 25 Years of Christmas at Victoria Mansion!". Please join us in our celebration. Space on this tour is limited, and reservations are required. Please email Tracy Quimby at tquimby@victoriamansion.org with ASL Tour as the subject or call 207.772.4841 ext. 15. Participants will meet in the Carriage House prior to the tour's start.