JACKSONVILLE, OR—Historic Jacksonville, Inc. is seeking volunteers to serve as docents at the 1873 Cornelius C. Beekman House on December weekends during Jacksonville’s Victorian Christmas celebration. Docents will share with visitors the elements of a Victorian Christmas including the introduction of Christmas trees, the evolution of Santa Claus, the source of many of our holiday customs, typical Christmas gifts during the late 1800s, a Victorian Christmas menu, and much more.
Docent training will be offered from 10 am to 12 noon on November 8 and 15 in the Beekman Carriage House, located behind the historic home at 470 E. California Street in Jacksonville. Interested volunteers can register for either session by calling 541-488-8395 or e-mailing info@historicjacksonville.org. Training will cover Victorian Christmas traditions, Beekman family celebrations, and stories from Jacksonville history.
Volunteers will be asked to dress in a semblance of Victorian attire and cover one of the Beekman House rooms for a 10:30 am to 3:30 pm shift during a Saturday or Sunday in December. Scripts will be provided, and costume assistance is available. There are also opportunities for volunteers to play carols on the Beekman’s 1890 Mathushek piano and to assist with Mrs. Beekman’s Christmas Bazaar.
Jacksonville history comes to life each December during Jacksonville’s annual Victorian Christmas celebration, and this is a great way to join in the fun and share it with others!
For additional information, call 541-488-8395 or 541-245-3650.