The WACO Lecture Series is currently being held at the Troy Hayner Cultural Center due to the limited space in WACO’s Willis Wing—home to the beautiful addition of another WACO. Troy Hayner Cultural Center, located at 301 West Main Street in Troy, is completely handicapped accessible and will be the temporary location of the 2023-2024 lecture series.
On Thursday, December 21st at 7 pm, join us for an engaging holiday lecture focused on the history of Christmas and Santa Claus, presented by Bill Albers who grew up in Europe and experienced European celebrations. In this lecture, you will learn about the origins of Christmas, and how it has evolved over time, as well as the fascinating history of Santa Claus and his many incarnations.
Bill Albers will take you on a journey through time, exploring the ancient roots of Christmas and the many cultural traditions that have shaped this beloved holiday. You will discover how Christmas has been celebrated throughout history, from pagan festivals to the Christian holiday we know today. You will learn about the many different versions of Santa Claus that have existed over the centuries from the Dutch figure of St. Nicholaas to the modern-day jolly man in a red suit.
The speaker will share his experiences and stories of the beloved holiday figure, and how he has become an enduring symbol of generosity and goodwill. This lecture is perfect for anyone who loves Christmas and wants to learn more about its rich history and traditions from a person who grew up with old-traditional celebrations. Complimentary hot tea and a St. Nicholaas cookie will be served.
All aviation lectures are free and open to the public and are held at Troy Hayner Cultural Center in Troy, OH. Donations to the WACO Air Museum are gratefully accepted. Programs are scheduled to last one hour, beginning at 7 p.m., with questions to follow. All lectures are sponsored in part by Collins Aerospace. For questions, please call 937-335-9226 or visit www.wacoairmuseum.org.