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ENTERTAINMENT

Macculloch Hall unveils new seasonal exhibit

JENNIFER L. NELSON
CORRESPONDENT

Relive the history of Christmas at Macculloch Hall Historical Museum this season with the opening of its new holiday-themed exhibit, “Another Stocking To Fill: Antique Christmas Toys and Decorations.”

The exhibit features toys and ornaments that originate from a century ago, and includes a variety of Santa Claus figures, children’s toys like Steiff stuffed animals, toy drums, and a Noah’s Ark that would have been a common gift from Santa around the turn of the 20th Century. Candy containers in various shapes and sizes that were given as gifts to children during the Christmas season are also on display.

“The holidays have become so rushed and commercialized. Instead of gadgets and technology, it’s nice to be able to step back in time with friends or family while visiting a historic place, enjoying some beautiful and different objects, and learning about how Americans have celebrated this time in the past,” said Karen Hollywood, public relations and program coordinator for the museum.

This is the seventh year the exhibit has been created through generous object loans from Sign of the Tymes Antiques in Lafayette. It is curated by museum curator Ryan Hyman and co-curator Barbara Silverstein.

“The over two-foot tall Father Christmas clockwork figure from the early 1900s is a highlight of the exhibit…the figure was originally used as a window display trade stimulator,” Hyman said.

The exhibit is complemented by the museum’s collection of Thomas Nast Christmas images, which was recently enhanced by a donation from private collectors Thomas and Nancy Cantwell. The museum boasts the largest collection of Nast originals in the country.

Visitors can enjoy additional Thomas Nast original Santa and Christmas images throughout the museum’s galleries and period rooms. While Thomas Nast was primarily a political cartoonist, he became well-known for his now iconic image of Santa.

Throughout the month of December, visitors can also enjoy tours of the museum’s period rooms, which will be decorated for the holidays in a traditional style by the Garden Club of Morristown. The decor includes fresh holly and boxwood greenery, and other live decorations.

“The 1810 home is spectacular during the holidays, from the simple touches like the boxwood in the windows as the Macculloch family would have done, to the beautiful tree decorated with vintage inspired handmade ornaments,” Hollywood said. “From the stockings hanging on the fireplace to the iconic Nast Christmas images throughout the museum, there is something for everyone…and it’s a step back in time to savor the holidays.”

In the drawing room, visitors will find a Christmas tree decorated with historically inspired ornaments. This is the 24th year that Morristown’s Assumption School fourth grade students have handcrafted the ornaments.

The museum’s Christmas shop will also be open during touring hours, with the new items including the 2014 Thomas Nast ornament, “Christmas Post,” along with other unique gifts, stocking stuffers, decorative items, books, and Thomas Nast items.

The museum is open for guided tours of the decorated period rooms and visits to exhibits through Dec. 21 on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m.; the last tour leaves at 3 p.m.

The drawing room Christmas tree, Thomas Nast images, and Christmas exhibit will remain on display from Jan. 4 to 29.

ANOTHER STOCKING TO FILL: ANTIQUE CHRISTMAS TOYS AND DECORATIONS

WHEN: Through Jan. 29

WHERE: Macculloch Hall Historical Museum, 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown

COST: Regular museum admission

INFORMATION:maccullochhall.org or 973-538-2404, ext. 10