This holiday season, you can carry on traditions of the past, or simply go learn about them.
The Cortland County Historical Society plans four events to get history fans in the holiday spirit. During Tinsel & Canvas: An Artful Winter Display, which is Friday, the halls of the Suggett House Museum will be decked out in holiday decor, and illuminated by candlelight.
Winter landscapes from Cortland County artists of the past will be featured.
“The First Friday events are intended to feature artwork, so the upcoming one is going to be winter-themed art, all by local artists,” said Sophie Clough, collections and research assistant. “All of them feature places around the county, accompanied by our candlelight and holiday decorations throughout the museum space.”
Clough fitted the museum’s mannequins with winter fashion, and set them up into holiday scenes throughout the museum.
“It will be a very cozy viewing experience,” she said.
“It has more of a house feeling than it usually does,” said Tabitha Scoville, director of the Cortland County Historical Society. “There’s a scene of kids with presents by the tree; someone is going to be cooking.”
The exhibit will also be open for viewing on Saturday, during the Holiday Open House. Local authors Karen Hempson, Matthew Watros and Homer Historian Martin Sweeney will have their books available for purchase and signing.
There will also be a make-and-take craft station, the Cortland County Historical Society website says. During these events, attendees can get a free museum tour.
On Dec. 14, kids can participate in the Cool Creations Kid’s workshop, and learn to make Christmas tree ornaments using marbled paper with artist Molly Reagan.
If you want to spread holiday cheer the vintage way, come to the museum Dec. 20 for some caroling around the neighborhood. Hot cocoa and cookies will be served afterward, and there will be a candlelit tour of the museum.
“There’s just so many people that haven’t visited the museum, so we try and think of very creative ways to draw people in,” Clough said.
