PARKERSBURG - Members of the community turned out in force on Sunday for the annual Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History holiday open house.
"This open house kicks off our Christmas holiday exhibit of trees with an international and historic flair," said Pam Salisbury, event coordinator for the Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park.
Salisbury estimated about 200 people walked through the museum, located at 137 Juliana St. in downtown Parkersburg, to not only look at the regular historical displays, but also the more than 20 holiday trees with international and Victorian influences.
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Photo by Jolene Craig
Anne Baker, of Vienna, looks at the tree decorated to reflect “Americana” on Sunday during the annual Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History holiday open house.
"We have 16 trees decorated to represent different countries as well as themed trees," Salisbury said.
The international trees include Germany, Russia, Scotland, England, Ireland, America, Spain, China, Japan, Africa, Greece, Sweden, Canada, Mexico, France, Ukraine and Jessie Tree (Israel). The other trees represent different eras and traditions, which include Victorian, Kwanzaa, religious themed Spirit of Christmas, State Bird and Pioneer or Colonial America.
On Sunday, admission for the open house was free to welcome the community to the holiday museum.
"We have done this for at least 10 years and the community has embraced the trees and the museum during the holidays," Salisbury said.
Along with the trees exhibit, the museum also featured local entertainment and refreshments during the event.
Entertainment included the Blennerhassett Dancers, who performed 18th Century dances, the Parkersburg South High School Madrigal singers and dulcimer playing by Scott Cain of Parkersburg. Father Christmas was also on hand in Victorian-style finery to welcome children and hear their holiday lists.
The trees will be on display to visitors through Dec. 23 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. Regular museum admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children ages 3-12.
The museum will close for the holiday season on Dec. 23 and will reopen for 2013 on Jan. 2.
