The History of Santa Claus & a Special Visit with Civil War Santa – Virtual – hosted by the Museum of the Grand Prairie

Civil War living historian Kevin Rawlings will portray the Thomas Nast Patriotic Civil War Santa Claus. Rawlings portrays the Patriotic Civil War Santa each Christmas season, based on the illustration by Thomas Nast that appeared on the front page of Harper’s Weekly on Jan. 3, 1863. Rawlings’ presentation will enchant the young and the young at heart. Using numerous illustrations, he explains some of the lore and evolution of Santa, beginning with his birth 1,739 years ago in ancient Lycia. He continues with Santa’s evolution from early Christian Turkish clergyman Saint Nicholas with lean, angular features in his bishop’s robe and miter to the jolly, red-cheeked, grandfatherly Santa we know today.

Rawlings has been portraying Civil War Santa across the country for over 30 years. He is a Civil War living historian, actor, professional researcher, including a film researcher on several program series on the History Channel which include “World War II in HD” and the Vietnam War in HD.” He is the author of “We Were Marching on Christmas Day: A History and Chronicle of Christmas During the Civil War,” published by Toomey Press in 1995. Kevin has also been featured in the award-winning documentary “Becoming Santa.” A second edition of the first printing has recently been published and is available for purchase. Kevin Rawlings resides in Frederick, Maryland.

FREE. For more info: (217) 586-2612 or pcain@ccfpd.org