Christmas memories at the Arms Museum

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Arms Family Museum, 648 Wick Ave., will present Memories of Christmas Past, the annual holiday spectacular, Dec. 3 through Jan. 8.

The seven period rooms of the Arms Family home will be filled to the brim with rare, one-of-a-kind, vintage decorations that include ornaments, lighting, trees, toys and trains. The display features many pieces from the Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s collection as well as items on loan from private collectors.

Highlights include a stunning collection of German houses and icicles from Jerry and Darla Arnold of Beechwood, Ohio; a dazzling jewelry tree, displayed by the Junior Group of Goodwill; and a bounty of sparkling white snowmen, Santa figurines, antique crystal prisms and thousands of icicles.

What makes this exhibit so unique is that the pieces are displayed as they would have been in someone’s home. “The pieces in this exhibit are things you’ll remember from childhood, mingled with rare antiques that visitors will not see anywhere else,” said Leann Rich, of the museum. “Using the historic home as a backdrop creates a charming experience and lets the visitors view the items elegantly displayed over the fireplace, around the Christmas tree and on the dining-room table.”

Museum hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays to Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission for the exhibit is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors; and $4 for children age 3 to 18 (under 3 free). For additional information, go to mahoninghistory.org or call 330-743-2589.