November 29, 2009 through January 10, 2010 "Hayes Train Special" Holiday Model Train Exhibit Hayes Presidential Center, FREMONT Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday noon-5 p.m. Closed Christmas and New Year's Day See six model trains follow a complex course through tunnels and around a snow-blanketed miniature Victorian village that includes ice skaters, a town hall, Ferris wheel and fireworks. Made possible through the generosity of Solar Solutions by PSI, with additional funding from Memorial Health Care System. Free with Hayes Presidential Center museum admission: $7.50/adult, $6.50/senior (60+), $3/child (6-12). Call 800.998.7737. December 1, 2009 Holiday Open House Hanby House, WESTERVILLE 7-9 p.m. See the home of Benjamin Hanby, composer of Up on the Housetop. Enjoy seasonal decorations, live holiday music and hot cider and cookies. $2/adult, $.75/child (6-12). Call 800.600.6843. December 3–5, 2009 Christmas Dinners at Spiegel Grove Hayes Presidential Center, FREMONT 6:30-10:30 p.m. Give a gift to remember - dine like a president in a president's home! This memorable holiday evening benefiting the Hayes Presidential Center and Spiegel Grove, home of 19th U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, starts with a ride by horse-drawn carriage from your car to the Hayes home. A Victorian adventure awaits, with live piano music, costumed carolers, traditional wassail, a six-course feast reminiscent of those served during the Hayes administration and more entertainment. Seating is limited to 24 guests per night, ensuring an intimate atmosphere. Advance reservations required: $250 per person in advance ($175 is tax deductible). For reservations or information call 800.998.7737 or e-mail ylyoung@rbhayes.org. December 3, 10 and 17, 2009 Echoes in Time Theatre Presents 'The Man Who Drew Santa Claus: Thomas Nast' Ohio Historical Center, COLUMBUS 7 and 8 p.m. Thomas Nast is credited with creating our popular image of Santa Claus. His illustrations appeared in Harper's Weekly newspapers in the years 1863-1865. Thomas Nast's picture of Santa continued to evolve over the years, but it is fascinating to study the early images and spot all the Santa traditions that we still practice today. Listen as Mr. Nast, portrayed by Ronald St. Pierre of Westerville, tells you his story, which continues into our 21st century. Free with museum admission: $8/adults (13-59), $7/seniors (60+), $4/youths (6-12), and free to Ohio Historical Society members and children 5 and under. Parking is $4 and FREE for members. For more information, visit www.ohiohistory.org or call 800.686.6124. December 3, 2009 Community Conversations: Race and Gender in Art-Making Ohio Historical Center, COLUMBUS 7 p.m. Addressing the role of these factors in their creative endeavors will be visual artists Queen Brooks, Bing Davis, Jon Onye Lockard and Valerie Maynard and spoken word artist Jordan Argus. Georgina Dodge, Ph.D., Ohio State University assistant vice provost for minority affairs, will facilitate the discussion as well as a question-and-answer opportunity with the audience. Race and Gender in Art-Making is sponsored by U.S. Bank, and is free with Ohio Historical Center museum admission: $8/adult, $7/senior (60+), $4/youth (6-12) and FREE/OHS member and age 5 and under. $4 nonmember parking. Call 800.686.6124. December 5, 2009 An Irish Christmas on the Farm Piqua Historical Area, PIQUA 1-3:30 p.m., 4-6:30 p.m., 7-9:30 p.m. This very special holiday event begins with a dinner in John Johnston's dining room featuring a traditional seasonal menu from the Johnston era. From there guests will visit each room of the home to view the holidays decorations with an Irish twist. The Johnston Farm Mummers will present Irish entertainment and the evening concludes with dessert by the fireplace in the winter kitchen with Johnston's mother, Elizabeth, who shares stories of her life as a single mother in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Fee: $30/adults, $25/Ohio Historical Society or Piqua Friends adult members. To register, call 800.752.2619. December 5-6, 2009 Holiday Open House Hanby House, WESTERVILLE 1-4:30 p.m. See the home of Benjamin Hanby, composer of Up on the Housetop. Enjoy seasonal decorations, live holiday music and hot cider and cookies. $2/adult, $.75/child (6-12). Call 800.600.6843. December 5, 2009 The Pleasure of the Cup: Drinks of the 19th Century Ohio Village, COLUMBUS 7-9:30 p.m. Sample several quirky and "tasteful" concoctions and learn the lore of some 19th-century beverages at select Ohio Village buildings. Complete your rounds at the American House Hotel for refreshments and conviviality with humor and tavern songs. Must be 21 years of age. Admission: $35/person, $30/Ohio Historical Society members, $4/parking fee for nonmembers. For reservations, call 614.297.2266 or 800.686.1541. December 5-6, 2009 Zoar Community Association Christmas in Zoar Zoar Village, ZOAR Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Christmas comes alive in this annual event of the Zoar Community Association. Carolers, crafters and cooks bring back memories of Christmases of the 1850s village decorated for the holidays. This event is a good place to start Christmas shopping and enjoy the culinary treats of the season. Admission: $6/adults, $4/youth, $5.40/Ohio Historical Society adult members, FREE/ OHS youth (ages 12 and under). Call 800.874.4336. December 5 and 11, 2009 Mid-Winter Celebrations on the Frontier Campus Martius, MARIETTA 5–8 p.m. Childrens' tour of the 1788 Rufus Putnam House, followed by holiday gift-making. Admission: $12/child (6-12). Call 800.860.0145. December 6, 2009 Uncommon Ohio: History Whatzit? Ohio Historical Center, COLUMBUS 1 and 3 p.m., Gallery Tours, 1-4:30 p.m. Looking for something fun to do on Sunday afternoons this fall? Take a tour of Uncommon Ohio at the Ohio Historical Center and find out what's so special about the Buckeye State. Different each month, the tours highlight Ohio objects that are odd, curious, special, peculiar, rare, and puzzling. Don't miss them! FREE with admission: $8/adults, $7/senior (age 60 and up), $4/youth (ages 6-12) and free for OHS members and children 5 years old and under. Parking is $4 and free for members. For more information, call 800.686.6124 or visit www.ohiohistory.org. December 11-12, 18-19 and 20, 2009 Dickens of a Christmas Ohio Village, COLUMBUS Friday and Saturday, 6-9 p.m., Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Step into Dickens's world. From plum pudding to "that pretty German toy, a Christmas tree," Dickens created a festive and enduring vision of Christmas. Dickens's spirit comes to life at Ohio Village through characters from his writings, cooking demonstrations, hands-on crafts, decorations, caroling and storytelling. Admission: $12/adult, $9/youth (6–12), $10/OHS adult member, $7/OHS youth member, $4/nonmember parking. Call 800.686.6124 to register or by registering online by clicking here. December 11-12, 18-19, 2009 Dickens of a Dinner Ohio Village, COLUMBUS 6-7:30 p.m. Feast on a sumptuous holiday dinner at the American House Hotel, meet the author and hear the Ohio Village Singers perform period carols. After dinner, enjoy the holiday event Dickens of a Christmas throughout Ohio Village. Advance reservations required: $60, $50/OHS member, $4/nonmember parking. Call 800.686.1541. December 12-13, 2009 Dillon House Special Teas Hayes Presidential Center, FREMONT 1-3 p.m. Spend a leisurely afternoon with friends or family enjoying the pleasures of a 19th century formal tea with a holiday theme in the 1873 Dillon House. Advance reservations required: $25/adult, $14/child. Call 800.998.7737. December 13, 2009 Holiday Open House Fort Meigs, PERRYSBURG 1-4 p.m. Enjoy seasonal music, hot cider and cookies, hands-on family activities and period dancing (no partner or experience required) in the Fort Meigs Museum and Visitor Center. Though the fort itself is closed for the season, War of 1812 soldiers and civilians will be on hand to offer demonstrations and answer questions about the war and camp life. Shop the museum store for holiday gifts. Admission: $5/adult, $4/youth (6-12), FREE/OHS member. Call 800.283.8916. December 17, 2009 Dickens of a Mystery Ohio Village, COLUMBUS 7-9 p.m. Ever wondered what happened to Scrooge after his Christmas morning reformation? You're in for a grand surprise in this production of Dickens of a Mystery. Enjoy a holiday buffet, witness a series of events and help solve the mystery. Advance reservations required: $60, $50/OHS member, $4/nonmember parking. Call 800.686.1541. December 19, 2009 'Christmas Is For Kids' Special Tea Hayes Presidential Center, FREMONT Afternoon - TBD A special pre-Christmas treat for youngsters who've been very, very good: the 1873 Dillon House takes on the look of a holiday wonderland for an afternoon tea for children and their adult companions. Advance reservations required: $25/adult, $14/child. Call 800.998.7737. December 20, 2009 Christmas Brunch at Ohio Village Ohio Village, COLUMBUS 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Feast on a sumptuous holiday brunch at the American House Hotel, meet the author and hear the Ohio Village Singers perform popular period carols. After brunch, enjoy the holiday event Dickens of a Christmas throughout Ohio Village. Advance reservations required: $39, $30/OHS member, $16.95/child, $13.95/member child, $4/nonmember parking. Call 800.686.1541. December 20, 2009 Light Up the Serpent: Winter Solstice Serpent Mound, PEEBLES 4-6 p.m. Hundreds of luminaries surround the serpent effigy as you take a casual stroll and reflect upon the history and importance of this World earthwork, which has been nominated for the World Heritage List. You may sponsor a luminary, with proceeds benefiting Serpent Mound's public programming endeavors. Admission: $7/car. Call 800.752.2757. December 26-31, 2009 Horse Drawn Sleigh / Carriage Rides Hayes Presidential Center, FREMONT 1-4 p.m. Weather permitting. Fee: $3. Call 800.998.7737.

Thank you for your interest in the Ohio Historical Society!