Following two years of dormancy during the pandemic, the annual Holiday Open House – featuring the “Alice’s Wonderlands: The Art of Alice Hudson” exhibit and the “Parade of Trees” – returns to the Chenango County Historical Society. Thanks to support from Piaker and Lyons, this beloved community tradition celebrates the joy of the season with a variety of family-friendly activities from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Dec. 4. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH – Experience the wonder of the season when the annual Holiday Open House returns from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 4 at the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS), located at 45 Rexford Street in Norwich.

“We’re very excited to host the return of this beloved holiday celebration,” said Jessica Moquin, CCHS executive director. “Thanks to the generosity of Piaker and Lyons, we are enhancing this year’s program to feature special guests and creative activities.”

Back by popular demand, snowflake artist Jim Baldwin will be demonstrating his unique gift of creating whimsical paper designs. Baldwin’s “Fabulous Flakes” have become a long-standing tradition of the annual CCHS Holiday Open House.

New this year, renowned children’s author and illustrator Suzanne Bloom will offer interactive demonstrations inspired by this year’s featured Community Gallery exhibit: “Alice’s Wonderlands: The Art of Alice Hudson.”

Visitors can learn how to create small sculptures using techniques similar to those Hudson used in her whimsical artwork. To complement these demonstrations, a mini exhibit will be showcased, featuring community art created during the Oxford Memorial Library’s collaboration with Bloom through this year’s “I Am the Book” workshops, which were also inspired by Hudson.

Another miniature display of community art will be unveiled during the Holiday Open House. Throughout this year’s Colorscape Chenango Arts Festival, a team of local youth hosted an interactive opportunity inspired by Chenango County’s upcoming inclusion in the Smithsonian Institute’s “Spark! Places of Innovation” initiative.

Community members were invited to depict how the unique combination of places, people, and circumstances sparks innovation and invention in local communities. The dynamic artwork generated through this opportunity will also be on display.

Using treats and toppings provided by the Cottage Bakery in Norwich, museum visitors can take inspiration from the artistic spirit featured this year to decorate holiday cookies. This fun and free family-friendly activity offers the opportunity to create delicious culinary masterpieces.

In keeping with CCHS Holiday Open House tradition, perennial favorite the “Parade of Trees” returns, this year featuring both in-person and virtual viewing. Throughout the museum, local charitable organizations have decorated evergreen trees highlighting the culture, history, and heritage of Chenango County. Many tree themes are inspired by businesses, festivals, landmarks, milestones, and organizations that highlight memorable aspects of the county.

Established in 1939, CCHS is the primary organization dedicated to actively and comprehensively preserving the history of Chenango County. The area’s premier heritage center, admission to the museum is a free-will donation left up to each visitor’s discretion, with approximately 75 percent of public programming offered free of charge.

CCHS programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.