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| Die Singenden Wanderer |
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Date: November 27, 2009
Contact: Merrith Baughman, 402-223-3514
See decorations from many countries showcasing winter ethnic traditions at both the Education and Heritage Centers at Homestead National Monument of America from November 27, 2009 through December 31, 2009. The Winter Festival of Prairie Cultures celebrates the winter traditions of people who lived on the Great Plains during the homesteading era. Decorated trees and tabletop displays feature ornaments and hand-made crafts that reflect the spirit of hope, humor and generosity which characterized settlers of the West. Cultures represented include French, German, Welsh, Swedish, Polish, Irish, Czech, Hispanic, Scottish, Jewish, Cornish, and Native American.
See changes at the Heritage Center as winter season traditions are added to the exhibits. You will find winter traditions nestled in to become a part of the current exhibits to give them a new flair. The majority of the exhibits will be found at the Education Center.
Homestead National Monument of America Superintendent Mark Engler said, "The Homestead Act of 1862 had a global impact. Many of the ethnic groups represented during the Winter Festival came to America with traditions inherited from their homelands. We hope that families and individuals visiting Homestead during the holiday season will learn something new about the many winter celebrations that take place throughout the world."
In addition to the displays, there will be special programs presented at the Education Center on Sundays, November 29, December 6 and 13. These programs include:
November 29 1 & 3 p.m. Die Singenden Wanderers (men’s choir) from the German-American Society of Omaha. They will sing in German and interpret the songs in English and discuss the song origins.
December 6 2 p.m. Holidays here and There.Professional historian and storyteller Richard Kimbrough will compare how holidays are celebrated in different cultures.
December 13 1-4 p.m. Participate in Country Traditions.Learn how different cultures decorated for winter celebrations and make decorations to take home.
For more information, visit our website at www.nps.gov/home or call Homestead National Monument of America at 402-223-3514. Homestead National Monument of America is located 4 miles west of Beatrice on Nebraska Highway 4. Current hours of operation are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The park is closed on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. Admission to all exhibits, displays, and events is free of charge.
