New Christmas displays at CCHS

It’s beginning to look a lot like “Christmas Around the World” at the History Center in downtown Lindstrom! Volunteers and staff have been busy transforming exhibit space and adjoining areas into an international wonderland.

There’s decorated themed trees with ornaments from various countries including Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the US. Our largest tree is decorated with flags from 12 countries and ornaments from at least a dozen more. Ten exhibit cases are filled with displays of items from different countries including Bohemian glass, German wood lanterns, English china, Irish linen and crystal, Russian nesting dolls, Polish pottery, Hmong needlework, French mustard jars, Finnish textiles and Mexican musical items as well as information on the holiday traditions of each country. In addition, several mannequins dressed in traditional clothing from Austria, Germany and Sweden.

A history center volunteer said, “We have added two delightful new features to our Christmas décor this year – a hand-painted Christmas village and a Lionel Christmas train that were donated by Don Johnson of Chisago City. We also have a great array of vintage toys and an international doll tea party that will delight the kiddos. Our kitchen area is overflowing with displays of stollen, lebkuchen, gingerbread and festive candies. We have created a beautiful old fashioned bedroom scene complete with stockings hanging on the mantel, a lovely 1850 appliqued quilt, a rare antique lap desk, a unique oak shaving dresser and mantel clock from our collections. Other items of local interest throughout the museum include a delightful German revolving musical tree stand from the Sjoberg family in Almelund and a newly acquired and gorgeous 1900 suit/dress from the Lelwica family in Lindstrom.

“We have also fashioned a small “Chisago County One Room Schools” corner for those who might have missed that very popular exhibit from earlier this year. Our immigrant, millinery, cobblery, advertising and pharmacy displays are still in place along with the newer Crex grass, celluloid buttons and Native American collections. We have something for everyone!”

The Christmas display will remain up until January.

The museum is open Mon., Tues., Friday and Sat. from 10-4 at a limited capacity. Masks, hand sanitization and social distancing are required. The gift shop will participate in Small Business Saturday November 28 and there will be a door prize drawing that day. Please check Facebook for our holiday hours and plan to stop by in coming weeks.