On December 10, 2014, 11 a.m., the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, located at 295 West Avenue in Norwalk, CT will present Celebrate the Season, a lecture by Kathy Maher, Executive Director of The Barnum Museum. As a wonderful diversion from the holiday hustle and bustle, lecture goers will take a fascinating journey back in time to holiday festivities of a bygone era as Ms. Maher presents the evolution of Christmas during the 19th century.

For well over 120 years, the celebration of this holiday has been a part of American culture and has prevailed through more than a century of altering traditions. The holiday season as we now know it, emerged from a Victorian spirit of generosity, benevolence, and community fellowship. From delicate homemade decorations and treats to the whirlwind of commercially produced ornaments and gifts, Ms. Maher will discuss the historic transformation of this extraordinary holiday.

Ms. Maher has over 27 years’ experience working for museums that are recognized as nationally significant historic landmarks. Throughout her career, she has envisioned, created and implemented numerous social historical exhibitions and programs that explore themes ranging from the transformation of family structure and the role of women during the American Civil War, to the struggles and triumphs of an emerging 19th century industrial America. Authoring numerous publications and exhibition narratives, Maher has been the recipient of State and National awards for research and presentation.

Ms. Maher was appointed Executive Director of The Barnum Museum in 2005. She holds a MA from New York University and has been a guest historian for the History Channel, Arts & Entertainment Network, Biography, MSG Network, British Broadcasting Company (BBC), New England Cable News (NECN), CT Public Television (CPTV), and National Public Radio (NPR.)

Please RSVP by Friday, December 5, 2014. The price of $25 for members, $30 non-members includes lecture, lunch and a first floor Mansion tour. Lunch is courtesy of Michael Gilmartin’s Outdoor Cookers. The chair of the Lecture Committee is Mimi Findlay of New Canaan. Please contact [email protected] or 203-838-9799, ext. 4 to purchase tickets.

The Museum’s 2014 cultural and educational programs are made possible in part by generous funding from LMMM’s Founding Patrons, the Estate of Mrs. Cynthia Clark Brown; The LMMM Distinguished Benefactors, Klaff’s, The Xerox Foundation, and The Maurice Goodman Foundation; LMMM Sustainers: Spinnaker Real Estate Partners.

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