Experience Victorian holiday cheer with Merry & Bright event on Dec. 9

Dec 7, 2017

Delight in the spirit of the holidays at Merry & Bright: A Victorian Christmas from 1 to 5 pm on Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Downers Grove Museum campus. This free family event will feature historic sights and sounds of Victorian Christmas traditions. Activities will take place both indoors and outdoors at the Downers Grove Museum campus located at 831 Maple Ave. in Downers Grove.

 

Shannon Forsythe, Manager of Natural Resources and Interpretive Services, is pleased to provide a new event to celebrate the season. “Each year, the Victorian Blodgett House is beautifully adorned for the holidays. We wanted to create an event that could share this gem with the community and bring families together to create their own holiday traditions.”

 

Visitors will learn about Christmas traditions of the past as they explore the holiday-decorated Victorian Blodgett House. Decorated by The Questers of Downers Grove, the house will feature trees and trimmings that reflect the 1890’s Victorian era. In addition, view whimsical displays of vintage toys and Christmas cards.

 

Kids can spend some time with Santa Claus in the cozy parlor from 1 to 4 pm. Parents, don’t forget to bring your cameras! Santa’s reindeer will take a rest in front of the Blodgett House where kids can pet and talk to these magical creatures. Warm up near a campfire while you toast marshmallows and stroll the park on an interpreted luminary walk. Hands-on activities will be available indoors and include making Victorian Christmas crafts and sending cards to hospitalized kids.

 

Throughout the museum campus, hear Victorian-era carols by the Canterbury Carollers at 2:30, 3:30 and 4:45 pm. Attired in authentic period costume, the ensemble is a live tableau of Victorian carolers.

 

While viewing historical photos of winter in Downers Grove and vintage winter clothes in the annex, enjoy holiday snacks and beverages available for purchase. Hot cocoa, cider and water will be available for $2 each. Adult beverages will include mulled wine, Bell’s Winter White Ale, REDD’s Apple Ale, Alter’s Alterior Motive and Stella Artois for $5 each. IDs are required for all visitors (ages 21 and up) who plan to enjoy adult beverages.

 

Victorians were not only known for their enjoyment of Christmas food and festivities, but also for their generosity. “We wanted to continue the Victorian tradition of giving by bringing cheer to others in our community this holiday season,” said Shannon Forsythe.

 

Consider making a charitable donation to one of three giving trees located in the annex. Donations will be accepted for the West Suburban Humane Society, Toys for Tots and DuPage PADS. Donation wish lists for each non-profit organization are available on at www.dgparks.org.

For more information about the Downers Grove Museum, programs and exhibits, visit www.dgparks.org or call 630.963.1309.Blodgett House Winter

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