The James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library hosted two public holiday events on Saturday, Dec. 1, including a decorating demonstration at the University of Mary Washington and an open house featuring festive musical performances at the museum.
“Deck the Halls 2012,” the 32nd annual holiday decorating demonstration by noted local floral designer Jan Williams, was held from 9:30 a.m. to noon in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium.
Williams, who helped decorate the White House for Christmas for many years, is the owner of Jan Williams Florals in Fredericksburg. She demonstrated how to craft unique holiday decorations from native evergreens and plants.
The museum, located at 908 Charles St. in downtown Fredericksburg, hosted its annual holiday open house from 4 to 6 p.m. The jazz ensemble from the Quantico Marine Corps Band presented a free concert of seasonal music in the museum’s courtyard. Guests also experienced music played on Eliza Monroe’s Astor pianoforte as well as the harp music of Mary Triola.
The open house showcased a special exhibit, “A Monroe Christmas,” showing typical holiday celebrations during President James Monroe’s era. A James Monroe interpreter will be on-hand to greet guests.
For more information on the events or to purchase tickets for “Deck the Halls 2012,” call (540) 654-1043.
The James Monroe Museum is a National Historic Landmark administered by the University of Mary Washington. Founded in 1927, it is the nation’s largest repository of artifacts and documents related to the fifth president of the United States. For hours of operation, directions and other information, visit www.jamesmonroemuseum.org.
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News release prepared by: Charlotte Rodina
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