The historic Giese Church is on display at the museum throughout this holiday season.
Visitors to the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum in November 2013 came from 13 Indiana counties, eight states, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Tour groups included one Cub Scout group, two Boy Scout groups, a homeschool field trip, and the Hoosier Hikers, who used the museum as their starting and ending place.
Three groups from LaPorte High School presented their history projects at the museum, and volunteers spent two days decorating the museum for the holidays and enjoyed pizza for their efforts.
December events:
– The holiday theme for 2013 is the movie “A Christmas Story.”
– Saturday, Dec. 7, 10-3: Santa himself visited the museum.
– Saturday, Dec. 14, 3 p.m.: The Original Jean Shepherd Story. Professional storyteller Grant Fitch will present “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash,” from which Ralphie’s exploits were taken.
– Saturday, Dec. 21, at noon and again at 2 p.m.: “Mrs. Parker’s Piggy Lunch.” Creative Catering from Westville will be recreating Ralphie’s favorite meal. $15 per person covers the meal and museum admission. Call 219.324.6767 to make reservations.
– The historic Giese Church is on display for the 66th year. This is the lighted miniature church, containing moving figures and emitting Christmas music, that used to be on display outside the former Giese funeral home on Harrison Street in LaPorte.
– The museum’s period rooms are decorated using ornaments from the appropriate decades. The lobby tree is laden with handmade ornaments from LaPorte resident Wilbur Dieters. Choirs from around the county are scheduled to sing at various times during the holiday season. Any choirs wishing to sing at the museum may call 219.324.6767 to schedule a time.
November donations
– Framed diploma from Wanatah Elementary Schools, 1929, Sandra Nixon
– World War II framed photo of LaPorte Corporation, Sandra Glen
– Electric steam vaporizer from 1949, Phyllis Doloway Nichols
– 1920s eyeglasses in case, George M. Krieger, M.D.
– Michigan City Rogers High School sweater worn by Mike Bass, Barbara and Arnold Bass
– Items for the sale table, June Reeves, Dave Mann, Jean Chlupacek, Karen Piper, Dr. Peter Kesling, Susie Richter, Janet Sikorski
– Archival information, Michele Barber, Larry Myers, Richard H. Pierce Jr.
– Microwave oven, Katie Timm
– Leg lamp for Christmas display, Jim Lampl
The LaPorte County Historical Society Museum is located at 2405 Indiana Ave. in LaPorte and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10-4:30. Admission is just a few dollars; kids under 12 enter for free. For more information, call 219-324-6767 and visit www.laportecountyhistory.org. The facility is accessible to those with disabilities.
– Submitted by Susie Richter, curator