Mike Wolanin | The Republic A view of a Christmas village display that is part of the Bartholomew County Historical Society’s new exhibit called Christmas Memories at the Bartholomew County Historical Society in Columbus, Ind., Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022.
The past several years at the Bartholomew County Historical Society Museum, Geri Handley has concocted whimsical Christmas trees festooned with Santa letters, hats, gloves, you name it.
So where does the nonprofit’s event coordinator plant her creativity in this fifth year of a display known as “Christmas Trees Through Time/Christmas Memories” running Nov. 29 through Dec. 22?
Take a look at her early inspiration just inside the door of the facility at 524 Third St. in downtown Columbus. There you will find “Lady in White,” the first of 14 festive trees.
It features a female torso with a hint of a white fur at the top third of a tree next to a beautifully rustic, nine-foot, wooden door of the former 1877 Donner House in Columbus.
“She is waiting to enter the holiday party,” Handley said.
If you’re waiting to enter into a bit of the holiday spirit, look no further than the museum that has specialized in the past few years in history with a more artsy, more recent, pop-culture flair, if you will.
“I remind people that history was yesterday,” said Diane Robbins, the historical society’s executive director.
And yesterday often seems so much sweeter and more sentimental at Christmas, many would say. Moreover, trees almost can seem healing.
Call that O Tannen-balm.
Plus, this exhibit also will feature nearly 40 of late philanthropist Xenia Miller’s treasured creche collection, with Nativity scenes from all over the world. The baby Jesus is shown sleeping amid every possible background, be it bamboo or porcelain or goodness-knows-what. For decades, Miller collected the handmade creations highlighting a humble scene with humble worshippers from Sweden to Sri Lanka.
“When people see them, they’re amazed at all the different cultures,” Robbins said.
At this installation, visitors can be amazed at all the community input.
For instance, the local Treasure Hunters Club is contributing a tree holding toys. Fifth-graders from three elementary schools — Columbus Signature Academy Lincoln Elementary, ABC Stewart School, and Southside Elementary — are decorating a tree with traditional origami cranes symbolizing harmony.
Moreover, tablescapes will enhance various themed trees, providing holiday decorating inspiration for guests. “‘Twas the Night before Christmas” will feature large panels of original artwork depicting scenes from the famous poem. Columbus artist and teacher, Susie Signorino, created the illustrations used for the panels.
She has taught art at ABC Stewart School for 17 years and illustrated the book “May There Always be Sunshine” several years ago.
In the library, which is available to local residents to trace family roots, will display Looking Back – a book-themed tree with handcrafted ornaments created with pages from old books and displays of vintage eyewear from the permanent collection and from a local private collection.
Plus, the new display will include items from the local Hebrew congregation marking Hanukkah, a first since the trees series began five years ago.
Last year’s “Christmas Trees Through Time” exhibit attracted more than 500 people, and the seasonal events since 2018 have regularly been the most popular draws at the museum. Handley figures that shows no signs of slowing — and that’s fine with her.
“Already,” she said, “I have more ideas for next year.”
About the exhibit
What: The exhibit “Christmas Trees Through Time/Christmas Memories”
When: Nov. 29 through Dec. 22
Where: Bartholomew County Historical Society Museum, 524 Third St. in downtown Columbus
Admission: Free, but donations are encouraged
Information: bartholomewhistory.org
