From Christmas cards to decorated trees and Christmas crackers, many of our best-known Christmas traditions are products of the Victorian era. The East Hampton Historical Society invites the community to discover the origins of many of today’s holiday customs, brought to life at “Victorian Christmas” and “Aglow: A Holiday Experience” at the Thomas & Mary Nimmo Moran Studio, on Main Street in East Hampton Village.
Starting December 1, be transported back to the 19th century at Victorian Christmas, a special holiday exhibition featuring festive décor, period clothing, antique postcards, beautiful silver, and period toys.
“Join the East Hampton Historical Society as we explore how so many of the holiday traditions that we associate with Christmas were popularized by Victorian-era families such as Mary Nimmo and Thomas Moran, and their children. Come see how the Morans decorated their tree and home, sang carols, sent greeting cards, and helped transform Christmas into the holiday we know and celebrate today,” said Steve Long, Executive Director of the East Hampton Historical Society.
For one night only, the Thomas & Mary Nimmo Moran Studio will be transformed into a Victorian holiday celebration. Join for Aglow: A Holiday Experience, on Saturday, December 11 from 5 to 7 PM. Tour the historic studio, decorated for a festive Victorian Christmas. Visit with Santa Claus, enjoy live Christmas music, and a make a small children’s craft.
“Meet Old Saint Nick, who will be making a ‘Guest Appearance’ at the Moran Studio. We hope that you will bring your Christmas list, take a photo with him, and enjoy the beauty and splendor which is the Moran Studio decorated for the holidays!” said Marianne Della Croce, the Director of Visitor Experience.
A special musical performance by East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc and wife Marilyn Van Scoyoc on Saturday, December 18, at 1 PM, will be part of Victorian Christmas at the Moran Studio. From the balcony of the historic Moran studio, Peter and Marilyn will perform an instrumental duet of traditional holiday music, similar to what might have been performed at a festive turn-of-the-century Moran holiday party. The East Hampton Historical Society invites the community to enjoy this singular musical performance and enjoy the merriment, sights, and sounds of a 19th century Victorian Christmas.
To purchase tickets, visit the East Hampton Historical Society’s Events page at www.easthamptonhistory.org.