Events › A Civil War Christmas

Step back in time and discover how Americans celebrated Christmas during one of the most tumultuous periods in our nation’s history. Based on the book Civil War Christmas by Kevin Rawlings, Allan W. Howey will explore holiday traditions in the United States by 1860, tracing their origins and evolution through the Civil War years. Learn how Christmas was observed on both the home front and the battlefield, and uncover the story behind the creation of an American Santa Claus. From festive customs to wartime hardships, this presentation offers a unique glimpse into how a divided nation found moments of joy and meaning during the holiday season.