Unseen STL History Talks: December 2024
St. Louis Holiday Traditions—Echoes of the Past, Present, and Future
Now that we’ve all enjoyed our Thanksgiving turkeys, it’s time to celebrate the winter holiday season—St. Louis style!
From centuries-old traditions to iconic local favorites, this month’s talk will take us on a festive journey through the history of holiday celebrations in St. Louis. Whether you’re curious about how early settlers marked the season or nostalgic for the twinkling shopping windows of decades past, this event will definitely get you in the holiday spirit.
Join us on Thursday, December 19th, at Spine Bookstore and Cafe (1982 Arsenal St.). Doors open at 6 p.m., giving you time to explore the indie bookstore, grab a cozy drink, and share a little holiday joy with fellow history enthusiasts. The talks begin at 7 p.m., with a $5 cover to support Spine.
And what would a holiday event be without our favorite festive gear? Break out your Santa hats, rock those ugly holiday sweaters, and shine your blinking ornament jewelry! Let’s make this the best holiday party of 2024!
The Talk
St. Louisans have celebrated the holidays in vastly different and yet strikingly similar ways across three centuries and three empires, blending diverse cultural traditions and religious observations into a rich seasonal tapestry. Many nations’ customs played a role, from festive foods to symbolic rituals like the Yule log and caroling. What kinds of decorations graced people’s homes? How did they mark the season in times of prosperity or hardship?
Amanda Clark will explore these questions and more, diving into holiday traditions from the colonial-era Réveillon to the cherished shopping window displays of the 20th century. Along the way, she’ll explore how the city’s evolving social and cultural dynamics shaped its ever-changing holiday traditions. With an eye toward the future, Amanda will share insights into how these traditions continue to evolve, offering a glimpse into what might come next for St. Louis holiday celebrations.
Our Speaker
Missouri Historical Society Public Historian Amanda Clark’s enthusiasm for the city's rich history and architectural gems is infectious. In 2012, she established Renegade Tours, which later evolved into See STL Tours at the Missouri History Museum in 2020. This transition expanded her roles to include research, writing, and exhibit design. Amanda's distinctive approach to public history has earned her mentions in prestigious publications like the New York Times. Passionate about preserving history, she actively volunteers for the Landmarks Association and the National Building Arts Foundation in Sauget, Illinois. A huge fan of James Buchanan Eads, she was the curator for the special Eads Bridge at 150 exhibit at the Missouri History Museum.
Join us on December 19th!
Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in the holiday traditions that have shaped St. Louis over the centuries. This talk promises to be a festive and insightful celebration of the season—St. Louis style!
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