Join in on the Spirit of Holiday Traditions History’s Hometown Free Holiday Celebration December 11th
Holiday Traditions is an event that was created by the Seward House over 35 years ago as a token of appreciation to the Auburn community. Since that time, other local cultural attractions and sites have opened their doors for free the second Sunday in December for residents to enjoy during the holidays. Now, the “open house” is a tradition, and again this year, participation has expanded to include churches and other organizations.
Auburn’s Historic & Cultural Sites Commission
To ensure communication between the many Holiday Traditions’ partners, the City of Auburn’s Historic & Cultural Sites Commission coordinates publicity and advertising for this event. The Commission site members include Auburn Public Theater, Auburn Schine’s Theater, Cayuga Museum & Case Research Lab, Harriet Tubman Home, Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center, Seward House Museum and Willard Memorial Chapel. Support organizational members include Downtown Auburn BID, Cayuga County Office of Tourism, Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce, Cayuga County Historian’s Office, Cayuga County Arts Council and Auburn Enlarged School District.
Cayuga Museum of History & Art & Case Research Lab Museum
203 Genesee Street, 315.253-8051
Cayuga Museum will be open Noon – 5PM. The mansion will be decked out in its holiday best. Current exhibits will be the Museum’s 75th Anniversary and quilts from the Cayuga Lake Quilt Guild based in Union Springs. cayuganet.org/cayugamuseum/
The Harriet Tubman Home
180 South Street, 315.252-2081
Only open by appointment this time of year, the Tubman Home will host free tours from Noon - 5PM. Please call the Home directly for details on that day’s program. www.harriethouse.org/
Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center
205 Genesee Street, 315.255-1553
Quilts made by 72 artists from all over the world will be on view in the annual Quilts=Art=Quilts exhibition. Families are invited to complete a scavenger hunt in the exhibition. In addition, members of the Studio Art Quilt Associates will present a show-and-tell of their recent work during a Trunk Show at 2PM. www.myartcenter.org
Seward House Museum
33 South Street, 315.252-1283
Area florists, artisans and the Skaneateles Garden Club have adopted the museum this year to provide an array of spectacular holiday decorations. Visitors will be welcomed from Noon until 5PM and admission is free. Live musical performances throughout the day will add to the holiday splendor, including a performance by the St. Alphonsus Choir.
www.sewardhouse.org/
Evening Candlelight Tours of Seward House Museum
Candlelight Tours are scheduled for 6PM and 7PM on Friday and Saturday nights, the first three weekends in December. Dates are December: 2 & 3, 9 & 10, and 16 & 17. Pre-paid reservations are required for these tours. Space is limited so purchase your tickets today. Adult tickets are $10 and children 12 and under are $8.
St. Francis of Assisi Church
303 Clark Street, 315.252-7593
Auburn Chamber Orchestra will perform from 4PM - 5:15PM, and coffee hour will follow.
stfrancis-sthyacinth-auburn-ny.org/
St. Mary’s Church
17 Clark Street, 315.252-6343
The gift shop will be open, and tours of the church, plus refreshments offered from 1:30 - 3PM.
On December 10th at 7:30PM, Musica Spei presents “Saint Nicholas Saves the Day,” a sung Medieval mystery drama based on a miracle from the life of Saint Nicholas, plus Renaissance choral music for the Christmas season. www.stmaryauburn.org/
Ward O’Hara Agricultural Museum
6880 East Lake Road, Route 38A, 315.252-7644
Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, cookie decorating, coloring contest, ornament making, face painting and more. Special herb garden activities, keyboard music and Barbershop Singers will be performing their holiday favorites. Tour the museum and the gift shop from Noon - 4PM, admission and parking are free, donations accepted. cayuganet.org/agmuseum
Westminster Presbyterian Church
17 William Street, 315.253-3331
Westminster Church will host tours from Noon - 4PM. In addition to tours of the recently renovated historic church and the display of Advent banners, Westminster will feature some family friendly offerings-- families can make a “Chrismon” ornament to take home, and may also have their pictures taken wearing traditional Christmas pageant costumes. Masterworks Chorale will perform a free holiday concert at 3PM in the sanctuary. www.westminsterauburn.org/
Willard Memorial Chapel
17 Nelson Street, 315.252-0339
Willard Chapel will host free tours from Noon - 5PM. At 1PM, children can read with Santa, sponsored by the Literacy Volunteers of America. At 2PM enjoy a performance of Christmas carols on the piano by Susan May. From Noon - 5PM browse a used book sale and Friends of Hospice Thrift Shop will be open. www.willardchapel.org/
For more information on Holiday Traditions please visit historyshometown.org/.
