Dickens of a Christmas, 50s holiday train display among festive offerings

(Columbus,OH) – The Ohio History Connection (OHS) invites you to travel back in time this holiday season, Nov. 23 – Jan.3. From the 19^th century to the 1950s, enjoy Christmas favorites like Dickens of a Christmas, the 1950s model train display, special activities during Holiday Traditions Family Weekends, and the Christmas performancesTales of a Department Store Santa and Our Miss Brooks and the Christmas Carol.

A Christmas classic, Dickens of a Christmas takes visitors back to a 19^th-century celebration as Ohio Village is transformed with Victorian-era crafts,decorations, caroling, cooking demonstrations and traditions inspired by Charles Dickens’ festive vision of Christmas. Follow the Ghost of Christmas Past and meet Dickens, Saint Nicholas himself and an assortment of 19th-century characters along the way.

The50s are also getting festive! With the help of the Central Ohio Model Railroad Club, the Ohio History Connection has created a ‘50s style holiday train display within the 1950’s: Building the American Dream exhibit. Visit thenine-by-20-foot display in the Lustron home while enjoying activities during Holiday Traditions Family Weekends.

Kickoff all of this historical holiday fun with a live production of the 1954 comedy Our Miss Brooks and the Christmas Carol on Saturday, Nov. 23. A joint production of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and Parks and Recreation of Grandview Heights, Our Miss Brooks tells the story of a high school English teacher who’s called to intervene when the school play is threatened. Also, don’t miss the Echoes in Time Theatre performance of Tales of a Department Store Santa,which recounts the experiences of a department store Santa from the 1950s Baby Boom Era. Visit ohiohistory.org/holidays for more information.

Visitors can shop the stores at TheOhio History Center and Ohio Village for unique gift ideas including 1950s themedgoods, Ohio-made products or “Give the Gift of Ohio” with an Ohio HistoricalSociety Membership (current members receive 20% off new memberships). Shop online at ohiohistorystore.com.  

DATES:

• Our Miss Brooks and the Christmas Carol – Nov. 23, 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.*
• 1950s Train Display – Nov. 23, 2013 – Jan. 5, 2014*
• Holiday Traditions Family Weekends – every weekend in December*
• Tales of a Department Store Santa – Dec. 7, 14 and 21at 1 and 3 p.m.*
• Dickens of a Christmas at Ohio Village – Dec. 13, 14, 20, and 2,1from 6-9 p.m.; and Dec. 22, from Noon-5 p.m. (admission is $12/adult, $9/youth (6-12))

The Ohio History Center and Ohio Village are located at 800 E. 17^th Ave. (I-71 and 17^th).  Regular Admission: $10/Adults,$9/Seniors, $5/Children 6-12, Free/Children 5 and under, Free/OHS Members. Hours:Wednesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Contact:800-686-6124.

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