Navarre Bethlehem Historical Society will open its holiday celebration with a parade, World War II-themed museum displays and boutique sales
Navarre Bethlehem Historical Society will host its annual Christmas in Bethlehem celebration, featuring a Santa parade, World War II-themed museum displays and holiday shopping.
Paula Acunzo
The Navarre Bethlehem Historical Society is preparing for its annual Christmas in Bethlehem celebration Nov. 13-14 following a successful fall car show and several improvements to its buildings.
The society’s Sept. 27 car show attracted 145 registered vehicles, along with an estimated 10 to 15 additional vehicles that were not registered. The organization thanked participants and volunteers for their support.
The historical society also completed several building improvements with funding from a state grant and member donations. Projects included replacing two furnaces, installing new roofs on two buildings and adding vinyl fencing and gutters to the education building.
Christmas in Bethlehem will begin Friday, Nov. 13, with a parade featuring the society’s fire truck carrying Santa Claus and the mayor.
The Mathews Museum will feature a World War II Christmas theme to complement its display of World War II artifacts.
Holiday merchandise will be available for purchase at the society’s boutique in the education building behind the museum.
The society is accepting donations of Christmas items through Nov. 11. Donations may be dropped off Wednesdays from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
The museum will close for the winter after Nov. 14 and reopen Jan. 6, 2027, for regular Wednesday work sessions from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Although the museum will be closed, telephone messages may be left at 330-879-5938. A representative will return calls.
The society also continues to collect clean aluminum cans. Collection barrels are located behind the education building and will be checked weekly.