James Monroe Museum Hosts Holiday Celebration

The James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library will host two public holiday events on Saturday, December 3, including a decorating demonstration at the University of Mary Washington and an open house and jazz concert at the museum.

the 31st annual holiday decorating demonstration by noted local floral designer Jan Williams, will take place from 9:30 a.m. to noon in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium. Tickets are $25.

Williams, who helped decorate the White House for Christmas for many years, is the owner of Jan Williams Florals in Fredericksburg. She will demonstrate how to craft unique holiday decorations from native evergreens and plants. Following the workshop, program participants will have the opportunity to take home her creations through a random drawing.

The museum, located at 908 Charles St. in downtown Fredericksburg, will host its The jazz ensemble from the Quantico Marine Corps Band will present a free concert of seasonal music at 4 p.m. in the museum’s courtyard to kick off the festivities.

During the open house, guests will be able to view the special exhibit, “A Monroe Christmas,” showing typical holiday celebrations during President James Monroe’s era. A James Monroe interpreter will be on-hand to greet guests. The open house, which is free and open to the public, includes refreshments of hot cider and cookies.

For more information or to purchase tickets for “Deck the Halls 2011,” call (540) 654-1043.

The James Monroe Museum is a National Historic Landmark administered by the University of Mary Washington. Founded in 1927, it is the nation’s largest repository of artifacts and documents related to the fifth president of the United States.  For hours of operation, directions and other information, visit www.jamesmonroemuseum.org.

- Courtesy UMW Office of News and Public Information