A love of books and reading is a lifelong treasure passed from adult to child, from generation to generation. The 16th annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature at the Concord Museum in historic Concord, Massachusetts gives Concord’s renowned literary tradition a creative twist. Now through Jan.1, the Museum’s galleries are filled with 36 fanciful trees of all shapes and sizes, decorated with original ornaments inspired by acclaimed children’s storybooks and contemporary picture book favorites. This year, the Lead Sponsor for Family Trees is Barefoot Books. Media Sponsor is the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
The exhibition’s focus on children’s literature makes Family Trees unique among the many holiday events in Greater Boston. Each tree serves as a canvas for the artistic creations of a dedicated team of volunteer decorators. Inspired by the storyline, the illustrations, the characters or setting of a particular book, the decorators let their imaginations take flight, much to the delight of visitors of all ages from all over New England. Selections for this year include: Ladybug Girl, by Jacky Davis and David Soman; The Snow Queen, retold by Sarah Lowes, illustrated by Miss Clara; Bats at the Ballgame, by Brian Lies; Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott ; Strega Nona’s Gift, by Tomie dePaola; The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg; and many other favorites. Visit concordmuseum.org for a full list of this year’s books.
“We are pleased to be the main sponsor of Family Trees again this year and are excited to be part of this cherished tradition in the community,” said Nancy Traversy, Co-founder and CEO of Barefoot Books and longtime Concord resident. “We will be bringing our new children’s book, The Snow Queen, to life through our decorated tree. The fairy tale captures some of the true essence of the holiday season: imagination, family, and the splendor of winter, and we are looking forward to sharing this spirit with the community.”
Proceeds from Family Trees, organized by the Museum’s Guild of Volunteers, benefit the Concord Museum’s education initiatives. Beloved author and illustrator Tomie dePaola is the Honorary Chair of Family Trees 2011.
Family Trees Admission: During this benefit event, admission is $15 adults, $10 seniors, $6 children (4-18); children under 4 and Members Free. Family Trees admission includes all of the Museum galleries and the special 125th anniversary exhibition, Crowdsourcing a Collection.
The Concord Museum is easily accessible from Route 495 or Route 128 and Route 2 and is located at the intersection of Lexington Road and Cambridge Turnpike, ¼ mile east of Concord Center. The Museum’s entrance is on Cambridge Turnpike; parking is free. The Museum is wheelchair accessible. The Concord Museum Shop is well-stocked with books, treasures and trinkets for holiday shopping.
For further information contact the Concord Museum at 978-369-9609 (Taped information); 978-369-9763 (Reservations); E-mail: cm1@concordmuseum.org; Facebook: facebook.com/concordmuseum; Web site: .concordmuseum.org
Upcoming events
Mama and Papa Berenstain Bears • Dec. 31 and Jan. 1
Stan and Jan Berenstain met in art school in 1941 and went on to write more than 50 books together. Their now famous family of bears first appeared in 1962. Come meet Mama and Papa from this delightful series of family read-aloud books.
Museum Hours
Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; The Museum will be closed all day on Christmas Day and at 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The Museum will be open on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1 from 9 to 5 p.m.