Free Admission at Florence Griswold This Weekend for New London County Residents
 On Nov. 21 and 22, the Florence Griswold Museum is open free to residents of New London County. This weekend also marks the opening of The Magic of Christmas so visitors will see the museum decked out in holiday style.
Christmas has always been a special time at the Florence Griswold Museum. Miss Florence herself was born on December 25, 1850. But starting in 2004, Christmas became even more “magical.” That year the museum first unveiled Miss Florence’s Artist Tree in its Krieble Gallery. This 12-foot tree, trimmed with painted palettes, is now a holiday tradition.
The first year about 50 artists contributed palettes for the tree and each successive Christmas more have been added. This Yule season, 12 more artists have created palettes for Miss Florence’s Tree, bringing the total to over 100.
Also in the Krieble Gallery are fantasy trees which have been decorated by designers. This year they take their inspiration from the museum’s current exhibition—“Call of the Coast.” The show features the works of artists who painted in the art colonies of Cos Cob, Old Lyme, Ogunquit, and Monhegan.
In keeping with historical accuracy, the Florence Griswold House is simply decorated for the Yuletide. Here it looks like Christmas 1910 when Miss Florence was running a boardinghouse for artists.
The Magic of Christmas is on view at the Florence Griswold Museum through January 10, 2010. For a complete listing of all the holiday activities, visit www.FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. It will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
To receive free admission to the Florence Griswold Museum and The Magic of Christmas on Nov. 21 and 22, bring a form of ID (driver’s license, student ID) to show proof of New London County residency.
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