The Legend of St. Nicholas explores holiday history at Naper Settlement
You better not pout; you better not cry because you-know-who is coming to town. Have you ever wanted to know why we celebrate the holidays with the Big Guy from the North Pole? Learn how a fourth century bishop of Myra, Turkey, evolved into the character we now know as Santa Claus when veteran actor and historian Terry Lynch presents "The Legend of St. Nicholas" from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 at Naper Settlement's Century Memorial Chapel, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. Tickets are $7 adults; $6 youth (4-12), Settlement-6 and above members and students. Advance tickets save $1 each. Call (630) 420-6010 or visit www.napersettlement.org.
"It's my favorite show to perform," Lynch said. "He is my favorite character and it's so much fun to spend a month being him."
During the season, he will perform between 25 and 40 shows, but he never tires of it because there's so much information to share and no two shows are ever alike. He and his wife, Laura Lynch, a certified educator, meticulously researched the many stories of this well-known figure beginning in Myra and tracing his various incarnations throughout the world. Most importantly for the little ones, no secrets are revealed.
In 2004, the couple put the finishing touches on the show for school presentations. When Terry saw the costume, which is Father Christmas, the English interpretation of St. Nicholas, he knew it would be perfect for Naper Settlement.
"It just fits in with Naper Settlement so much, it brings me back to an old-time Christmas, what we imagine Christmas should be like," he said.
Lead Museum Educator Cindy Lackore organizes the History Speaks Lecture Series each year and looks forward to bringing this popular program to Naper Settlement.
"When you see Terry as St. Nicholas, you'll agree that he is the picture-perfect jolly old St. Nicholas," Lackore said. "In addition to learning the origins of worldwide holiday traditions and symbols, it's a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering. It's a great program for kids and adults, whether you're 2 or 102."
About Naper Settlement
Naper Settlement is a nationally-recognized, award-winning outdoor history museum set on 12 magnificent acres in the heart of Naperville at 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, IL. Our grounds are where history comes to play and community comes to connect. For more information, visit www.napersettlement.org or call (630) 420-6010.