Whitley County Historical Society maintains tradition of holiday open house
(Talk of the Town file photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Above, a local handbell choir performed during the Whitley County Historical Museum's annual holiday open house in 2009. Perhaps you'll remember the youth choirs performing at the museum decades ago during this annual event? Live entertainment is promised during this year's event as well. Below, a table is set beautifully with holiday treats in 2009.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
Celebrating Christmas in a warm way is a long standing tradition for the Whitley County Historical Museum.
Each year, volunteers spend many hours decorating the Vice President Thomas Riley Marshall home, where the museum is located, in anticipation of the annual holiday open house. Many residents may yet remember visiting the museum as a child during the holidays -- and that tradition continues.
The board of the Whitley County Historical Society will host a Christmas open house on Sunday, December 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the museum. There is no fee to attend the event which will feature live entertainment, refreshments and an opportunity to visit with Saint Nicholas!
The museum is located at 108 West Jefferson Street in Columbia City.
The museum's location was once the home of Thomas Riley Marshall who served as Vice President of the United States under Woodrow Wilson. Marshall was also a former Indiana governor, but lived in the home with his bride, Lois Kimsey. The home features many items that once belonged to the Marshalls in addition to a vast collection of historical items relating to the families of Whitley County dating back several hundred years. The exhibits change frequently in the house, allowing residents an opportunity to enjoy and connect with their own history.