Christmas at the Museum and Library of Confederate History

Written by Holly Sheen

Dec 19, 2007 at 12:00 AM

Storyteller Terry Grissop, at right, and his audience of children listen as young Jackson Grissop, at left, sings Silent Night. The first Victorian Christmas in Dixie celebration at the Museum and Library of Confederate History was a resounding success! Decorated throughout in old-fashioned greens and ornaments, the ambiance at the museum was reminiscent of southern Christmases of the past. The museum was filled to overflowing with festive folks as Mr. Terry Grissop spun tall tales to a large group of children who had come to listen to the master storyteller during story hour. Mr. Grissop, dressed in a Confederate soldier’s uniform, then lead everyone in a traditional carol sing with his rich baritone voice. Mr. Grissop’s young grandson, Jackson, also assisted in the entertainment by singing Silent Night in German. As the story hour ended, Ms. Lee Ann White began playing a selection of period Christmas music on the museum’s much prized 1850s-era piano, melodeon. Recently restored, the antique instrument is a star attraction. Old-fashioned refreshments were in abundance for one and all in true southern-style hospitality. Friendly docents acting as hosts and dressed in Victorian attire mingled with the museum visitors.    Doesn’t this sound like a pleasant way to spend a Friday evening? You are invited to come to the museum for similar entertainment every Friday evening for the rest of December. Each Christmas in Dixie event will again feature a story hour, carol sing, and live period music provided by various accomplished musicians. Admission is free. Story hour begins at 6:00 and musicians begin playing at 7:00. Drop in during the evening whenever it is convenient for you. The museum is located at 15 Boyce Avenue in the Pettigru Historic District in Greenville. For more details please call 864-421-9039. Y’all come!