Volunteers with the Fresno historical society have been busy getting the home holiday-ready for visitors.
"We really wanted to bring it back and show the community how Christmas was celebrated over 100 years ago," said Ruth Lange, Fresno Historical Society Operations Director.
Right now, a beautiful 11-foot Christmas tree is already sparkling on the main floor. Volunteers will also decorate the historic mansion from top to bottom with trees, garland and bows. In fact, the home was even adorned with greenery from its own backyard.
"We have fresh boughs that we've added from the park to our boughs that we have in here. So we use traditional decorating, like the Victorians did, and bring in greenery from the surrounding areas," Lange said.
Starting Dec. 7, people can step back in time and get a history lesson while enjoying the festivities. Visitors can take a tour of the mansion and even have tea in the dining room.
"It's a wonderful experience that you can't really experience anywhere else in Fresno," Lange said.
Two floors will be completely decorated and people can get a closer look inside the rooms.
"We have pictures from the Fresno Historical Society, they're actually used as ornaments for the tree," Lange said.
For years, volunteers have collected and saved beautiful antique ornaments and cornucopia décor for the holiday season. Now they're glad to share the magical holiday experience with others.
------
For more information on Christmas at Kearney Mansion and prices go to their web site: www.valleyhistory.org