I N D I A N A S TAT E M U S E U M A N D H I S T O R I C S I T E S
CROSSROADS EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2023
Preparing for
Holiday Lead Interactive Developer John Segner works on model train track.
The Indiana State Museum will officially kick into holiday mode on Friday, Nov. 24, when Santa Claus’ bright red helicopter lands on the front lawn to open Celebration Crossing 2023. During this year’s festivities, which continue through Dec. 31, visitors can take a ride on the Snowfall Express, explore Santa’s Front Yard and meet the Jolly Ol’ Elf himself at Santa’s House, have lunch in the L.S. Ayres Tea Room™, find their county’s unique ornament on the 92 County Tree and enjoy Holiday Sounds with performances by local choirs and ensembles. Creating all this and more holiday magic requires a huge effort involving nearly all our staff in some way, and the planning for this year’s Celebration Crossing began not long after last year’s event wrapped up. One of the earliest priorities for our programs and education engagement
team is getting Santa here. Director of Interpretation Hayley Wilson started coordinating the Santa schedule in the spring to ensure the big man will appear at Celebration Crossing each day. Plus, the team has been planning holiday-themed activities and programs for our visitors. This year, Santa’s house will have an allnew look thanks to the experience team. For months, staff members have been working behind the scenes to fabricate vibrant new décor pieces — lamps, snow globes, bookshelves, window scenes and much more — all based on colorful, inviting illustrations by local artist Candice Hartsough. Her illustrations are featured throughout Celebration Crossing, including in the whimsical woodland scenes surrounding the Snowfall Express. Installation for this year’s event began in mid-October. The week of Nov. 6 will bring big changes throughout the museum, as giant snowflakes will appear above the museum’s great hall and the Tea Room receives its holiday makeover. Before the end of the year, we hope everyone will come have lunch in the Tea Room (view the menu here), take a ride on the train, sit with Santa or simply enjoy the magic and wonder of the holidays at Celebration Crossing.
at
Celebration Crossing
Shifts
Full-time museum staff are asked to share in the excitement of the holidays and pull together for our busiest season by working two shifts during Celebration Crossing: one weekday and one weekend (or Thursday night). For more information on available shifts, reach out to Director of Interpretation Hayley Wilson.