Thanks to support from Piaker & Lyons, the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) hosts its annual Holiday Open House and Museum Store Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Dec. 1 at 45 Rexford St. in Norwich. Festivities include a cookie decoration station and the launch of the annual “Parade of Trees.” Glass bead artist Sarah Holmes Bookbinder will host a “Pop-Up Shop” in celebration of the museum’s current Community Gallery exhibit, “Kaleidoscopic Visions: The Architectural Glass Art of David Wilson.” (Submitted photo)

NORWICH –  Experience the wonder of the season during the annual Holiday Open House and Museum Store Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS). This beloved community tradition features family activities, live music, seasonal exhibits, and unique local holiday shopping experiences.

“We look forward to this year’s celebration, which includes both our annual Holiday Open House and ‘Museum Store Sunday’ retail experience,” said Jessica Moquin, CCHS executive director. “Thanks to the continued generosity of Piaker & Lyons, this year’s festivities include a wide range of activities. The day features something for everyone!”

In celebration of the museum’s current Community Gallery exhibit titled “Kaleidoscopic Visions: The Architectural Glass Art of David Wilson,” glass bead artist Sarah Holmes Bookbinder will be hosting a “Pop-Up Shop” as part of Museum Store Sunday. Bookbinder will be selling her handcrafted glass bead and sterling charm necklaces, with proceeds supporting both the Gordon Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and CCHS.

Browse the Museum Shop for other unique gift ideas and exclusive merchandise. Offerings include vintage Currier & Ives calendars with years that have the same dates as 2025, Norwich Pharmacal Company cancelled stock certificates, City of Norwich Centennial Banners, wooden replicas of iconic locales, plus history books researched and written by local authors, including Norwich native Ed Erickson’s newest title, “Kinship, Stories of Norwich High School, the Draft, and War.”

Using treats and toppings provided by the Cottage Bakery in Norwich, visitors can take inspiration from the festive holiday atmosphere and decorate seasonal treats at the cookie decoration station. This fun and free family-friendly activity offers the opportunity to make delicious culinary masterpieces.

Throughout the afternoon, visitors will enjoy holiday carols provided by the “Gallery Singers,” a youth vocal ensembled coached by  Sherburne’s  Jenni Larchar.  The beloved voice behind “Jenni’s Music,” Larchar is known throughout the region for interactive preschool programs, symphonious vocal performances, personalized music lessons, and a vast performance repertoire.

The Holiday Open House also serves as the launch of the “Parade of Trees,” highlighting the history and heritage of Chenango County. Visitors can explore the many trees decorated by local charitable organizations with themes inspired by businesses, festivals, landmarks, and milestones that highlight memorable aspects of the county. In keeping with tradition, the perennial favorite “People’s Choice” campaign includes both in-person and virtual viewing where patrons  can vote for their  favorite tree by making a donation. Whichever organization’s tree accumulates the greatest combined total (both in-person and virtually) at the campaign’s conclusion on Dec. 27 will be deemed the winner. The winning tree campaign’s earnings will be shared evenly between the organization and CCHS.

Launched in 2017, Museum Store Sunday is a global advocacy campaign that communicates the value and importance of museum stores. For the fourth consecutive year, the Museum Shop at CCHS joins more than 2,100 museum stores worldwide, offering a variety of seasonal gifts – from stocking stuffers to exclusive local merchandise. Shoppers can look forward to Museum Store Sunday as an opportunity to conscientiously support CCHS locally while simultaneously celebrating the museum community globally. Online shopping year-round at  www.ChenangoHistorical.org/shop features many of the CCHS publications available in-store, plus a wide variety of exclusive branded apparel, totes, and postcards.

First established in 1939, CCHS is the primary organization dedicated to actively and comprehensively preserving the history of Chenango County. The area’s premier heritage museum, the organization celebrates local culture – the enduring traditions, noteworthy residents, and unique stories. 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.

- Information from the CCHS