In December 1860, after a lengthy construction process, George and Hettie Shriver settled into their beautiful new home in time to celebrate Christmas with their two young daughters. Sadie had recently turned five years old; Mollie was three. The Shriver family spent five Christmases in their finely appointed home on Baltimore Street. Little did they know that just a few months after they moved in, a Civil War would begin. You are cordially invited to take a candlelight tour of the Shriver House Museum to hear about each of those five Christmases and how the Battle of Gettysburg and the Civil War affected the Shriver family.
Step back in time to discover how Christmas was celebrated in the mid-1800s. Enter the 19th century home of the Shriver family, one of the wealthiest families in town, as they prepare for the upcoming holidays. See the candle-laden Christmas tree in its place of honor on the parlor table as a fire roars in the fireplace of the handsome room decorated with hand-made holiday greenery. After hanging stockings on the mantle, the girls set out milk and cookies in anticipation of a visit from Santa Claus on that magical night. While soldiers faced the perils of the Civil War, Christmas offered a few moments of cheer that would help brighten the lives of those at home. Learn how families celebrated the holidays while fathers, sons, and husbands were separated from loved ones during this tragic time in American history.
Upcoming Dates:
Friday, Dec 13
Saturday, Dec 14
Saturday, Dec 21
Saturday, Dec 28
Tuesday, Dec 31
