Join the Nahant Historical Society on December 1st, 2022 at 6PM for a special lecture at the Lynn Museum: “DECK THE HALLS: FEMALE ABOLITIONISTS AND THE EVOLUTION OF CHRISTMAS”
What we think of as the traditional trappings of Christmas celebrations were just beginning in the mid-nineteenth century. Ken Turino, long-time member of both Nahant and Lynn Museums, narrates how female abolitionists in the North Shore and America contributed to the development of modern American Christmas traditions. These abolitionists, including Maria Chapman, Lydia Maria Child (who wrote the book Over the River and Through the Wood), and Abby Kelly of Lynn hosted and or contributed to Christmas fairs to raise money for the abolitionist cause.
Turino looks at women’s sewing circles here and abroad which contributed a wide array of goods for sale at these fairs. Christmas fairs had a wide-ranging influence on our customs, including the use of Christmas trees, greenery in decorating, and gift giving in America.
To purchase Tickets: Deck the Halls: Female Abolitionists and the Evolution of Christmas (lynnmuseum.org)
$10 for Lynn Museum & Nahant Historical Society Members, $15 for nonmembers.
LOCATION: Lynn Museum, 590 Washington St, Lynn, MA
