The Coming of Santa Claus – Engraving, Thomas Nast, 1872

Get into the Holiday spirit with the virtual lecture:

The History & Folklore of Santa Claus

Guest Presenter: Laura Keyes

Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 6:30pm via Zoom

Tickets: $5.00 per household. Buy Tickets Online Here

Note: Once you purchase a ticket, the zoom link will be included in your confirmation email. It will also be emailed to you 24 hours and 1 hour before the event. All sales final. No Refunds.

Many folks know that our modern-day Santa Claus had his start as St. Nicholas, but what happened on the journey to make us think of a “jolly old elf,” rather than a pious Christian Bishop? Where, exactly, did Santa Claus come from, and why does his popularity remain so high in modern American popular culture?

This illustrated lecture is well researched, with details on the journey Bishop Nicholas made to become our current day Santa Claus. It also includes many recognizable images and poems.

Mrs. Keyes will be delighting audiences with her wonderful nostalgic presentation.

PLEASE NOTE: Because of secrets revealed, this program is NOT intended for children for whom Santa Claus is a very real figure!

About the presenter: Laura Keyes graduated from UW Madison with a Master’s Degree in Library Studies, and has been presenting on historic topics for over ten years. She enjoys researching literary symbolism, and is contracted to write a book on that subject. In her non-existent spare time, Laura is a wonderful baker and accomplished vocalist. Laura is currently a Library Director in Central Illinois.

Learn more about Laura Keyes at: https://www.laurafkeyes.com & https://www.facebook.com/HistoricVoices

For more information on this event and the Norwalk Historical Society, email the NHS, call 203-846-0525, or visit www.norwalkhistoricalsociety.org.

The Norwalk Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

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