Come experience the changing Christmas holiday traditions of the 19th century through the eyes of the children. On Saturday, December 15, Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site staff and volunteers will offer two programs, one at 10 a.m. and again at 1 p.m., to share holiday stories, songs and activities of the past. From the simplicity of 10-year-old Julia Dent’s 1836 holiday, to an 1856 enslaved child’s experience, to the lavishness of the Grant’s grandchildren’s holiday in 1883, today’s families will experience how the celebration of this holiday has changed and learn where some of today’s traditions originated. The program is intended for children ages 5 – 12, however is open to everyone. Reservations are not necessary for this free program.
Starting on Thursday, December 13 the historic house will be decorated for the holidays in the simple tradition of the 1830s. Regular tours of the house are typically available every half hour from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. throughout the winter.
The Holidays at White Haven program is one of an ongoing series of special activities at this unit of the National Park Service, also known as White Haven.