For Immediate Release:
Dec. 1, 2020
Contact:
Marie Cheek
Community Relations Coordinator
Culture & Heritage Museums
803.909.7312 mcheek@chmuseums.org
Culture & Heritage Museums deliver an array of free virtual holiday-themed programs
Christmas Candlelight goes virtual for 2020; Father Christmas looks at 19th century holiday traditions on the Bratton plantation
And what about the annual Vernon Grant holiday card and ornament?
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Culture & Heritage Museums continue to present public programs on digital platforms as sites remain physically closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The educational teams at Historic Brattonsville, Museum of York County and Main Street Children’s Museum deliver special holiday online programs this December that are wrapped-up in merriment, winter wonder and the meaning of Christmas.
CHM’s virtual holiday programs are free of charge and appropriate for all ages. The programs are presented through Zoom Webinars, Facebook Live and Culture & Heritage Museums YouTube channel. Registration is required for some; find details and links on CHM’s website: chmuseums.org
A special virtual Christmas Candlelight:
Father Christmas looks at 19th century traditions and shares wintertime stories from the Bratton plantation in a virtual Christmas Candlelight program. For the early white settlers of York County, Christmas was a time of solemn reflection; follow the tale as Harriet Bratton decides to break with tradition. Hear Lettie’s story and understand why enslaved communities prepared for “Heartbreak Day” around Christmastime. Learn about Christmas gunners and why that was a thing in those days. Listen to Christmas carolers, make a historical holiday toast and warm up with open hearth cooking demonstrations. Christmas Candlelight premiers Dec. 19 on Historic Brattonsville’s Facebook page and CHM’s YouTube channel.
It’s a Rock Hill tradition:
The annual Vernon Grant Holiday Card and Ornament Reveal transforms into a unique online experience for 2020. Meet the Grant family and take a behind-the-scenes look at CHM’s collections to see where and how the artist’s original artwork is cared for. Watch the new holiday collection reveal on Culture & Heritage Museums YouTube channel .
The Museum Store is online:
Shop online at The Museum Store for the Vernon Grant collection and other unique gifts, such as books by local authors, local artwork and S.C. produced foods. Contactless pickup available. Shop local; find the online shop at CHM’s website: https://chmuseums.myshopify.com// .
Culture & Heritage Museums membership:
CHM memberships make wonderful gifts; enjoy special members-only programs and benefits while supporting a worthy cause. https://chmuseums.org/general-membership/ .
Special Holiday Virtual Programs:
For December, Culture & Heritage Museums’ ongoing virtual programs are highlighted with a holiday twist. On Mondays, CHM’s planetarium manager points out What’s up in the Carolina Skies at this special time of year. Time Travel Tuesdays examine historical Christmas cooking, traditional décor and gift-giving. Wee Wednesdays keep the little ones engaged in play and merry song. What’s In Store Fridays feature festive food, drink and decor tips from The Museum Store. Creature Feature introduces local, Carolina Piedmont critters every other Saturday. On the third Thursday of each month is Trivia Night – register for free, get your holiday fun facts ready and play.
To register for free or learn more about CHM special holiday programs and ongoing virtual programs, go to chmuseums.org .
Culture & Heritage Museums’ free virtual programs provide everyone with the opportunity to learn about the nature and culture of the Carolina Piedmont. Consider making a donation here.
Culture & Heritage Museums is a family of museums in York County, S.C., which includes Historic Brattonsville in McConnells, the McCelvey Center in York, and the Museum of York County and Main Street Children’s Museum in Rock Hill. CHM is a Smithsonian Affiliate and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
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