VERSAILLES — The museum will once again participate in the Versailles Hometown Christmas weekend. From Nov. 13- 15, the museum will unveil its 2015 Christmas displays as the village celebrates with numerous activities.
The theme this year is “Getting Ready for Christmas,”
“We will be open on Friday from 5-7 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and regular hours on Sunday from 1-4,” said a spokesperson. “This will give you the first peek at the beautiful decorations and begin to get you in the mood for those fast approaching holidays! Any groups wanting a special Holiday tour at other times, it’s not too early to make those reservations!”
This year’s displays feature Christmas in the Barn Yard, A shopping trip to the General Store, “A Village Like Ours,” “Christmas on the Street Where You Live,” “Grandma’s Christmas Cookies” and a collection of St. Nicholas figures.
Also for Veteran’s Day and the holiday season, Versailles veteran of World War I Homer Prakel returns home. Well at least his unique uniform does. On loan from the archives of the Garst Museum, this preserved uniform which was made in Paris will be on display in Prakel’s hometown.
“This is a rare treat not to be missed,” the spokesperson said.
Another unique display will feature the creative toys hand-made by local WWI veteran and Versailles citizen, Clarence “Pittsy” Pittsenbarger.
“From North Star, to Willowdell, to Brock, all our villages will have a touch of the season to help us all recall the magic of the season as a child,” the spokesperson said. “Remember, too, we have many unique gift items for your giving this year. Why not gift certificates to our Historic Dinner ‘A Night at the Club’ the roaring ’20s revisited or a copy of our feature book ‘All Roads Lead Home,’ or one of our other many unique books from local authors Bill Schuette, Rita Arnold, Cindy Vogel, Jim Eiting or cookbooks from the Pohl family or Trinity of Versailles? We now have a first-ever Versailles Area Museum mug that is sure to be a collector’s item. Don’t forget a Versailles Area Historical Society membership. Your membership helps keep our area history alive and you have the satisfaction of giving without any effort! We’ll look forward to seeing you during the holidays at the museum! Come often, come home!”