The Spirit of Christmas Past: Four Centuries of Christmas in America
What did Christmas look like in America 100, 200, or even 400 years ago?
Join Historic Beverly for The Spirit of Christmas Past: Four Centuries of Christmas in America, a richly illustrated journey through the surprising history of Christmas in New England and beyond. From its controversial beginnings in 17th-century New England—where Christmas was actually banned—to the festive, family-centered celebration we know today, discover how one of America’s most beloved holidays evolved over four centuries.
Along the way, historian and educator Ken Turino will explore the origins of familiar Christmas traditions and reveal how the holiday transformed from a time of raucous public revelry into the warm, domestic celebration associated with Christmas today.
Drawing on historic images, stories, and traditions from across New England, the program will also bring the history home to the North Shore, exploring what Christmas may have looked like in communities like Beverly throughout the centuries.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of the holiday season, or simply curious about the origins of our “traditional” Christmas, The Spirit of Christmas Past offers a fascinating look at how history, culture, and tradition shaped the way we celebrate.
About Ken Turino
Ken Turino is a curator, educator, author, and nationally recognized leader in community engagement, historic interpretation, and public history. As Manager of Community Partnerships and Resource Development at Historic New England, he oversaw numerous regional projects and exhibitions and has published widely on public history and historic house museums.
His publications include Reinventing the Historic House Museum (2019), co-edited with Max van Balgooy, and Interpreting Christmas at Museums and Historic Sites (2024).
Ken holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from George Washington University. His contributions to museum education and public history have been widely recognized, including the Outstanding Educator of the Year Award from Salem State University (2008), an Award of Excellence from the New England Museum Association (2023), and a Special Recognition Award from Essex National Heritage Area (2024) for his service to the community.