Christmas Forest Opens Dec. 9 At Cookeville History Museum

COOKEVILLE – The “seeds” were first planted last year.  Now a second “crop” of trees is sprouting at the Cookeville History Museum in its Christmas Forest exhibit, which opens during the museum’s open house Dec. 9 from 10 a.m.-noon.

“It’s a festive environment you won’t see anywhere else,” Beth Thompson, Cookeville museums manager, said.

Fourteen local non-profit and civic organizations are participating by setting up their own trees inside the museum. Some of them include the Cookeville Doll Museum, Upper Cumberland Embroiderers Guild and Putnam County Library.

“The atmosphere for our Christmas Forest is varied as there are so many groups participating,” Pam Philpot, exhibit specialist, said. “The trees are classic, fun, elegant, intricate, traditional and whimsical.”

Thompson said the exhibit is an opportunity for these organizations to spread awareness of their missions. Plus, it’s fun for people in the community to browse through the forest and see the many unique ornaments.

“Come check out the Christmas Forest exhibit to see how these organizations have graced us with their talents,” Thompson said. Saturday’s open house will include homemade holiday goodies.

The exhibit continues through Jan. 2. The museum, which is part of the Cookeville Leisure Services Department, is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at 40 E. Broad St. (It will be closed Dec. 23.) Admission is free. For more information, call 931-520-5455.