Ice Sculpture Carving followed by Special Holidays Presentation

Date: November 21, 2013

National Park ServiceNews Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –November 21, 2013

Merrith Baughman 402-223-3514

Ice Sculpture Carving followed by Special Holidays Presentation

Winter Festival of Prairie Cultures at Homestead National Monument of America

Don't miss all the unique programs at Homestead National Monument of America onSunday, December 8, 2013, at the Education Center. From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. watch an ice sculpting artist create an ice sculpture masterpiece. At2 p.m.Nebraska Humanities Speaker Richard Kimbrough will present "Holidays Here and There" at Education Center.  Also, shop for unique gifts. Eastern National, owners of the monument's bookstores, will have an open house with refreshments plus 20% off all purchases.

Richard Kimbrough taught for more than 50 years in schools ranging from Nebraska to Illinois to California to several republics of the former Soviet Union. He has extensive knowledge of the holiday customs of many countries. He will talk about the various countries, their traditions, and make comparisons between countries. Immigrants from many of these countries came to the Great Plains to homestead bringing along their traditions. Kimbrough's program is generously supported by Humanities Nebraska.

"What a fun day!! Watching an ice sculpting demonstration, learning about holidays around the world, enjoying refreshments, and getting a discount on your purchases from the bookstores", stated Superintendent Mark Engler.

The Winter Festival of Prairie Cultures exhibits will be on display in both the Education and Heritage Centers fromNovember 29-December 31, 2013. These exhibits represent the many cultures who settled on the prairie as a result of the Homestead Act.

Remember, Homestead National Monument of America has an exciting schedule of events planned for 2014. Keep up with the latest information by following us on Twitter (HomesteadNM) and Facebook (HomesteadNM).

Homestead National Monument of America is a unit of the National Park Service located four miles west of Beatrice, Nebraska. Hours of operation are8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. MondaythroughFriday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.SaturdayandSunday. Admission is free of charge. For additional information, please call 402-223-3514 or visithttps://www.nps.gov/home/index.htm.