The State Historical Society of Missouri will host its 6th Annual Holiday Open House Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Center for Missouri Studies, 605 Elm St., Columbia. Visit 17 booths featuring gift items created by local and regional artisans while strolling through the festively decorated Center for Missouri Studies. Refreshments will be served, and the event is free to the public. Books and Missouri-themed gifts will also be available for purchase in the bookstore.
Entertainment includes members of the Choral Arts Alliance of Missouri’s Columbia Chorale, who will perform holiday carols. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be greeting visitors all morning and Mr. Grinch will be available in the afternoon, welcoming anyone who would like to take a photograph with them.
Visitors can also stop by the SHSMO Art Gallery to see the recently-opened exhibition, Wild Missouri – The ART of Conservation, which features work by Missouri Department of Conservation wildlife and nature photographer Noppadol Paothong and former MDC artist Charles Schwartz, who’s award-winning illustrated book, Wild Mammals of Missouri, first published in 1959, and still in print.
The State Historical Society of Missouri’s Holiday Open House boasts unique gifts and treats and the chance to support Missouri artists and artisans by shopping local. Participating vendors include Sugarberry Blooms, Cindy Lou's Glass Studio, Camps with Bears, Double Lucky Jewelry and Gifts by Mandy, Midway Mercantile Co., Modish, Pressed Flower Art, Pie Bird Bake Shoppe, Boone Olive Oil, Shortwave Coffee, Beauty in a Bead, Little Stan Make Believe, BaGa Bags, The 1818 Project, Villasana Woodworks, and Wildflower Revival. In addition, a variety of items by Missouri artisans are for sale in the Richard Bookstore, located inside the Center for Missouri Studies, which is open year-around.