Colonial Christmas: A History through Song & Story A Performance by Historical Balladeer Linda Russell

Staff | November 15, 2013 | Comment

Historical balladeer Linda Russell returns to Historic Huguenot Street for this special kick-off to the holiday season on Saturday, November 23rd. Christmas was outlawed by the Puritans of New England in 1659. Yet, the Englishman John Smith noted a very merry celebration held by the settlers of Jamestown. Christmas in Colonial times was kept – or not kept – according to one’s religious background and country of origin. This joyous and heartfelt presentation explores the traditions of the holiday in early America through carols, American folk hymns, dance tunes, rounds and drinking songs. Quotes from diaries, poems, toasts and wassail recipes add spice to the musical brew!

Performance begins at 3:00 PM in The Crispell Memorial French Church at 60 Huguenot Street. A “sip and shop” reception follows at the decorated DuBois Fort Visitor Center & Museum Shop at 81 Huguenot Street with discounts offered on holiday merchandise at the Shop. Cost is $10 at the door and $8.00 for advanced registration & current HHS members. Online registration available here: http://www.huguenotstreet.org/store/featured-items-1/colonial-christmas-holiday-song-history-ballads.html

The HHS Museum Shop specializes in unique colonial and primitive gifts as well as quality, early American reproductions of textiles, lighting, pewter, pottery, baskets, home decor, toys, accessories, jewelry and gifts. The shop also features American history books and local interest books as well as outstanding work by local artists including folk artists, painters, woodcrafters, and blacksmiths.

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