The sounds of music, stories and the occasional “ho ho ho” will fill the air as the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum celebrates the holidays this month. Musician Mike Anderson of Jacksonville will perform from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 16, playing music of the 19th century. The Beth Anderson Flute Choir will perform from 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22. Lee Shafer of Athens returns with his portrayal of a Civil War Santa Claus on Dec. 8, 15-16, 22 and 27-29. Shafer will be in the museum plaza from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. He will talk to visitors about the beginnings of Thomas Nast’s Santa drawings during the Civil War and will also be available for photographs. Illinois storyteller Brian “Fox” Ellis returns on Wednesday, Dec. 26, with two Lincoln programs in the museum plaza: “Coming to Illinois” and “Road to the White House.” He performs at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The museum is also hosting an exhibit of 13 historic Santa Claus figures from around the world, including the famous Coca-Cola Santa Claus upon which most modern depictions of St. Nick are based. It runs through Jan. 2, 2013. The Santa figures are being loaned from the collection of Joyce and Dr. John Shmale.
For more information about the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, visit www.presidentlincoln.org.
