Date: November 7, 2008
Contact: Merrith Baughman, 402-223-3514
Celebrate Many Cultures with Festive Displays
at Homestead National Monument of America
See sparkling decorations from many countries showcasing ethnic traditions at both the Education and Heritage Centers at Homestead National Monument of America, from November 28, 2008 through December 31, 2008.
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.
New for 2008, 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. You will also find a new exhibit showing winter traditions in the cabin 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.” Cultures represented include French, German, Welsh, Swedish, Polish, Irish, Czech, Hispanic, Scottish, Jewish, Cornish, and Native American.
In addition to the displays, there will be special programs presented on Sundays, November 30, December 7 and 14. These programs include:
November 30:
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 7:
1-3 p.m., Participate in Country Traditions. Learn how different cultures decorated for winter celebrations and make decorations to take home.
3 p.m. “Marking Time: Nebraska’s Historic Places” Photographers Bobbi & Steve Olson and Publisher Chris Amundson of Nebraska Life Magazine will discuss important places in Nebraska followed by a book signing.
December 14:
1 & 3 p.m. Native American Feast. Ioway tribal members will demonstrate a traditional feast including a talk from a hunter and a woman fixing meals. Historical context will be created by the former Director of the Native American Heritage Museum of Highland, Kansas.
