Thomas Marshall House Decorated for Christmas

The Thomas Marshall House will be open December 1, 2012 from 1 to 4 p.m.  Local artist and historian Steve Batzka has decorated the house as it might have been decorated in 1850s, when Thomas Marshall was born.   “It will represent an old-fashioned Christmas,” said Batzka.  “People didn’t observe Christmas like they do today.  It was a much simpler time.”

Marshall was born in North Manchester, and became governor of Indiana and Vice President of the United States.  His birth house, on north Market Street next to the library, was completely restored and furnished by the North Manchester Historical Society to its 1850s condition.  It was officially opened and dedicated in October, and is open to the public on the first Saturday of each month.  After December 1, the house will remain closed until next spring. 

The NMHS’s Center for History also observes a winter hiatus from mid-December through mid-March.  Although the Center is not open for general visitors, groups may arrange tours any time, and staff are available on weekdays to assist with research or accept items donated to its collection.