Christmas Past exhibit will light up Arms museum

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Arms Family Museum will again be sparkling for the holiday season when the Memories of Christmas Past exhibition opens Saturday.

Set against the historic backdrop of the museum – the original 1905 Arms family home – Memories of Christmas Past is a unique holiday wonderland that rivals the best professional holiday displays.

Exquisitely arranged in detailed, eye-catching, colorful vignettes, the vintage decor on display includes toys, trains, ornaments, lights, dolls, furniture, trees and more. This display features pieces from the Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s collection as well as items on loan from private collectors.

“There’s nothing like it for miles,” said Bill Lawson, Executive director of the MVHS. “Every year visitors tell us how much the display brings back their best nostalgic childhood memories.”

The exhibit is so elaborate that is nearly impossible to see everything in one pass. Therefore, visitors taking the self-guided tour can make multiple passes through the period rooms as well as visit the second floor local history exhibits.

The Anne Kilcawley Christman Hands-On History Room will feel like walking into Santa’s Workshop in the North Pole, with elves and reindeer games.

Special events are scheduled throughout the run of the exhibit, including lectures, behind the ropes tours and twilight hours.

A special part of this year’s display will feature gingerbread houses in the museum’s solarium as part of the second-annual Gingerbread House Competition sponsored by NextBest Art and SMARTS. Children and adults are making colorful and creative houses to show off during the exhibit.

Memories of Christmas Past will run through Jan. 6. The museum is open Tuesday throughSunday from noon to 4 p.m.; and Thursdays from noon to 7 p.m. It is closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

In preparation for the Memories exhibition, the museum is closed today and Friday.

Admission is $9 ($8 for senior citizens and college students, and $7 for children ages 3-18).

Proceeds will help fund the educational and exhibit programs sponsored by the MVHS. Visitors on opening weekend can bring in canned goods for Feed our Valley and receive two admissions for the price of one.

For information, go to mahoninghistory.org or call 330-743-2589.