As part of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum's 2012 Holiday Season,Kathy Maher, Executive Director and Curator of the Barnum Museum, will present a lecture, The Evolution of Christmas, on Wednesday, December 12, at 11 a.m. at the Mansion, 295 West Ave., Norwalk CT.
Ms. Maher will explain and show how the ideal of Christmas became woven into American tradition based on an evolution of the tales and traditions during the Victorian era. Ms. Maher will chronicle the development from the 19th Century holiday season through the present day. Patrons will learn how the Christmas tree and other traditions such as family meals and decor became important parts for our 20th and now 21st Century family festivities. From sugared fruits and homemade ornaments, to glass decorations and the earliest electric tree lights, the presentation will be a wonderful journey into holidays past.
Ms. Maher has more than 25 years of experience working for museums that are additionally recognized as nationally significant historic landmarks. She joined the Barnum Museum in 1998 as the Registrar/Curator and, while maintaining the curatorial post, was announced Executive Director in 2005. Ms. Maher received a M.A. from the New York University - Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY Collaborative program. She also attended sessions at the Women's Campaign School at Yale University from 2000 to 2004.
Reservations are requested by Dec. 7. Admission is $30 for non-members; $25 members. The admission includes the lecture, a light lunch, and a tour of the first floor of the Mansion. Lunch will be courtesy of Michael Gilmartin of Outdoor Cookers.
For lecture information and reservations, contact: info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com or 203-838-9799 ext. 4.
2012 programs are made possible in part by generous contributions from LMMM's Distinguished Benefactors: Xerox Foundation, Klaff's, Maurice Goodman Foundation and Mrs. Cynthia C. Brown.
For information on educational programs, events and rentals, call 203-838-9799 ext. 4 or e-mail: info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com.
