The Spirit of Christmas Past: Four Centuries of Christmas in New England – A Shepaug Libraries Program

Hosted by the Gunn Memorial Library and Historical Museum

Join the Gunn Historical Museum and guest lecturer Ken Turino for a free virtual presentation on Zoom about the history of Christmas. 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 21st Century when all the trappings of a traditional Christmas were in place. For many, the celebration of Christmas today is the most important holiday of the year.  But many of the customs which we take for granted as part of the current holiday festivities and religious celebrations are actually a product of more recent history. The presentation will look at how Christmas was transformed from a rowdy celebration to a family-centered event. Some Washington, Connecticut Christmas traditions and stories will also be highlighted in this presentation.

Registration is required. Click here to register and receive the Zoom link.