NORMAN — It’s pretty much a guarantee that this time of year the yellow Victorian-style house on Peters Avenue will be transformed into a Christmas extravaganza.
And, not to disappoint, curator Erin Smith, along with several Moore-Lindsay House volunteers, have been busily preparing for the annual Christmas open house. This year’s event will coincide with the Second Friday Circuit of Art and will be from 6-10 p.m. on Dec. 14.
“We try to stay as traditional as possible as far as what we choose for decorations. We have at least one tree in every room. I’m so thankful for our volunteers because they help me so much. They are a huge help during Christmas. We could not do it without them,” Smith said. “We do try to change it up a little bit every year as far as the decorations and who we invite back as vendors. Every year is different and I hope that people continue to look forward to it.”
Smith recently took over duties as curator after she graduated in May from the University of Oklahoma with a masters in museum studies from the College of Liberal Studies. Smith had been assistant curator at the house for the past two years. She replaces Angela Gutierrez as curator who vacated the position for a job at Oklahoma City Community College’s humanities department. Gutierrez, Smith said, still volunteers at the museum and has been helpful in organizing the open house.
Admission to the open house is free, however, the museum will accept cash and check donations.
The evening will include free food and carriage rides will be offered from 7-9 p.m.
Other activities planned are a performance from New Horizons, a group from OU, and a performance from the Flyin’ Fiddler Wayne Cantwell who will be dressed in 19th century clothing and walking around the house entertaining with his music.
Local vendors also will be at the open house. Augusta Frank will sell Christmas cards during the event and Unique Confections will hand out candy samples.
“We try to have as many local vendors as possible because we want to support local artists,” Smith said.
Gift raffle items include a $25 gift certificate from McNellies, a fine art print created and donated by Smith, a gift certificate from the Scissortail School of Art, and a basket filled with items from the museum’s gift shop. Also, small goody bags will be handed out to children with families the night of the open house.
“It’s a really wonderful event for families. Not only because its free and open to anyone that wants to come, but I’m personally pleased that the house is still being used. Because so many of these old homes have fallen into disrepair and they are not being used and they are losing that integrity. I’m just thankful that people can come here and appreciate a part of Norman that is being maintained,” Smith said. “I just hope people can have fun. People can come and enjoy local music and some of the local items that we will have for sale. I hope that people can maybe come and buy gifts. I’m just thankful that we are able to continue the tradition of having the open house.”
For more information on the open house or the Moore-Lindsay House, visit www.normanhistorichouse.org or call 321-0156.
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