Christmas Forest opens Dec. 14 at Cookeville History Museum
COOKEVILLE – Wispy branches, twinkling lights and fanciful ornaments… it’s the sort of forest you’d want to get lost in.
The Cookeville History Museum welcomes holiday enthusiasts to experience the wonder while exploring its fourth annual Christmas Forest exhibit, which opens Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-noon, featuring the creativity of several local non-profit groups.
“Our Christmas Forest exhibit is a chance for these clubs and civic organizations to show off their tree-decorating skills, all while raising awareness for their cause,” Beth Thompson, Cookeville museums manager, said. “The big payoff is that the museum is transformed into a forest of beautifully decorated trees.”
The exhibit opening coincides with the museum’s annual open house. Admission is free, and refreshments will be served.
Participating groups include Tennessee State Button Society, Cookeville Camera Club, Cookeville Children’s Museum, Cookeville Art Studio and Gallery, Daughters of the American Revolution-Old Walton Chapter, Putnam County Fair Board, 4-H, Tennessee Tech University Archives, Imagination Library, Philanthropic Educational Organization, Family Community Education Clubs, Embroiderers’ Guild Iris Chapter, Putnam County Master Gardeners, Friends of White Plains, Patton House Doll Museum and Cookeville Crazy Quilters.
Tree styles range from traditional and elegant to fun and whimsical.
“Each tree definitely has its own character and charm,” Thompson said. “Some of the groups use basic household items; some use materials specific to their organization to create a cohesive theme in order to tell their unique story.”
The Christmas Forest exhibit continues through Jan. 4.
The Cookeville History Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at 40 E. Broad St. For more information, call 931-520-5455.
PHOTO CUTLINE: Putnam County Fair Board secretary Jessica Clark decorates a tree in the Cookeville History Museum’s Christmas Forest exhibit, which opens Dec. 14. Several community groups decorated trees for the exhibit.