Westchester's Holiday Image-Makers

Although the American celebration of Christmas blends traditions rooted in ancient times and Euro-Asian lands, it wasn’t declared a federal holiday until 1870. The American holiday season as we now know it evolved during the 19th and early 20th century, largely due to works of authors, artists and songwriters – the majority of whom had distinct ties to Westchester County. Barbara Davis, Westchester County Historical Society Executive Director and New Rochelle’s City Historian, traces the evolution of the traditions while introducing the Westchester holiday “image makers” and their impact on the holiday observances. A sampler of celebrations at Westchester’s historic sites will also be highlighted. 

Presented by:  Barbara Davis is the Executive Director of the Westchester County Historical Society, which is the only organization that collects and promotes the countywide history of Westchester.  A resident of New Rochelle, she is also the New Rochelle City Historian, a position she has held since 2001, and is the former Community Relations Coordinator for the New Rochelle Public Library. Barbara has served on Westchester County’s Historic Preservation Advisory Committee (HPAC) since the early 1990s, and as chair for over 25 years.