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FOUNTAIN, MN — The Fillmore County Historical Society is proud to announce the return of HisTrees & More (formerly known as Christmas Trees & More.)
In 2019, Sara Sturgis had just started as the new executive director of the Fillmore County Historical Society and one of the first comments she heard was “We just loved the tree event,” or “We really miss coming in and seeing all the decorated trees.” With her curiosity piqued, Sara pulled out old photo albums and found flyers that helped paint a picture of what they were talking about.
From 1990-2012, the Society held “Christmas Trees and More” a festival-of-trees style event where at its peak displayed over 50 decorated trees and holiday settings. Several members of the current board were a part of those previous events and many new members remembered them fondly. When it came time to plan for a year-end exhibit they thought it would be a perfect opportunity to bring back such a beloved, festive, and family-friendly event.
Being it’s the first year back, the format is a little different. “We wanted to keep the festive feel but also keep it simple and tie it closer to our mission. Each of the decorated trees and settings this year has an accompanying family story or historical theme… thus the new name HisTrees & More,” offered Sara. “We’ve also added holiday music and adjusted the museum’s lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that really transforms the museum.”
“Much credit belongs to the event committee: Sally Jeske, Sandy Seha, and Colleen Mulvihill as well as to all the display contributors: Preston Historical Society, Whalan Museum, Historic Forestville, Wykoff Rainbow Garden Club, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Preston VFW and Auxiliary, Charlotte Wright and Barb Yetter, Julie Gade, Duane and Angel Bakke, Sandy Seha/Karst Brewery, Sally and Curtis Jeske, Colleen Mulvihill, and Marcia Krebsbach,” Sturgis added.
The event began Saturday, November 26 and runs through Saturday, December 31 at the FCHS Museum located at 202 County Road 8 in Fountain. Along with trees and holiday displays, every Saturday in December will feature traditional demonstrations, treats and “wassail” and a holiday or history themed door prize. Open hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
For others looking to participate next year, the society will be putting out a call for displays and volunteers around October 1, 2023. FCHS members will receive a form in their fall newsletter but the general public can find a form on their website www.fillmorecountyhistory.org or on their Facebook page.
About the FCHS
The Fillmore County Historical Society is a member-supported 501c3 with a mission to collect, preserve and share the history of Fillmore County. In addition to its award-winning museum and archive, its genealogy and research center is one of the best organized and extensive local history libraries in the State of Minnesota.
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