Deck the Halls: Female Abolitionists and the Birth of Christmas Traditions
Deck the Halls: Female Abolitionists and the Birth of Christmas Traditions
Join the Wayland Museum and Wayland Rev250 for this engaging talk exploring the fascinating connection between the rise of American Christmas traditions and the fight for abolition. In this engaging talk, Ken Turino reveals how mid-nineteenth century female abolitionists—like Maria Chapman, Lydia Maria Child, and Abby Kelly—played a key role in shaping the holiday as we know it today. Through their involvement in Sewing Circles and Christmas fairs, these women raised crucial funds for the abolitionist movement while helping to popularize traditions such as Christmas trees, greenery, and gift-giving in America.
Turino highlights how these Boston fairs in particular, organized in collaboration with anti-slavery societies and leaders like William Lloyd Garrison, not only supported the cause but also left a lasting impact on the way we celebrate Christmas. Discover the inspiring stories of these women and how their holiday efforts contributed to both social change and the festive customs we cherish today.
Free admission for this event. RSVP encouraged. Donations welcome to support museum operations.