Historic Jacksonville, Inc. invites you to experience a Victorian Christmas this holiday season at the historic Beekman House Museum. Located at 470 E. California Street, this early 1870s residence, home to Jacksonville’s wealthiest pioneer family, is decorated for a 19th-Century Christmas celebration.
Between 12noon and 3pm every Saturday and Sunday through December 18, costumed docents will share the Victorian origins of popular Christmas traditions and observances along with stories of Beekman and Jacksonville holiday festivities in the late 1800s.
Visitors can look for the good luck German pickle ornament on the Christmas tree, learn how Clement Moore and Charles Dickens reinvented the holiday, steal a kiss under the mistletoe, hear about typical presents the Beekmans exchanged, and sample one of Mrs. Beekman’s sugar cookies.
Cornelius Beekman’s family was of Dutch ancestry; his wife’s family was German. Their cultures contributed Santa Claus and Christmas trees to our current Christmas traditions. Other pioneers brought the holiday customs of Scandinavia, England, France, and eastern Europe, all of which have melded into how we celebrate Christmas today.
Tours begin every 20 minutes and last about an hour with the first tour beginning at 12noon and the last at 3pm. Tour size is capped, and reservations are strongly encouraged. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. (Tours not recommended for children under age 6.)
Mrs. Beekman’s Christmas Bazaar will also be open during tour hours—a chance to shop for unique gifts including antiques, collectibles, toys, beautiful handcrafts, holiday items, and so much more. Bazaar admission is free.
Proceeds from both the tours and the Bazaar go towards Historic Jacksonville, Inc.’s maintenance of our town’s historic buildings and the programs and events that bring them to life and make them relevant for people today.
For tour tickets and information, visit www.historicjacksonville.org/victorian-christmas/
“Walk ups” are accommodated based on space available.
For additional information, call 541-245-3650, or e-mail info@historicjacksonville.org.