State Historical Society of Iowa Press Release

Western Historic Trails Center presents “Holidays on the Trails” Dec. 3-5

(COUNCIL BLUFFS) –The Western Historic Trails Center celebrates the season next month with “Holidays on the Trails,” a fun-filled event of shopping, crafts, music and more.

Shoppers will receive a 10 percent discount on books (except “Silent Hills Speak: A History of Council Bluffs, Iowa”) and a 15 percent discount on general merchandise (except beverages and snacks) at the Trails West Gift Shop.

In addition, WHTC will accept gently used books as a donation to support its ongoing educational outreach program. Books may be donated 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday at the WHTC, 3434 Richard Downing Avenue in Council Bluffs.

Holidays on the Trails is free and open to the public. Call 712-366-4900 for more information. The Holidays on the Trails three-day schedule follows:

Dec. 3, 2010
Friday Night Kick-Off
5-9 p.m.

• Have dinner at the “Dog House” located inside the WHTC. Say goodbye to summer with a hot dog
• Save 10-15 percent in the gift shop (beverages and food items excluded)
• Used book sale

• Evening music/jam session

Dec. 4-5, 2010
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Save 10-15 percent off gift shop purchases (beverages and food items excluded)
• Used book sale
• Family Craft Session: Take time as a family and create a holiday memory with a variety of craft projects

12-3 p.m.

• Dog House open for lunch
• FREE Photos with Santa! Participants are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to donate to local shelter

1-4 p.m.

• Dec. 4 only – Old Fashioned Games for families
• Dec. 4 only – Visit a winter Mountain Man camp, and visit with Mountain Men to see how they lived
• Dec. 5 only – Presentation and Book Signing by: James Morgan, “The Underground Railroad on the Western Frontier: Escapes from Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa and the Territories of Kansas, Nebraska and the Indian Nations, 1840-1865.” Presentation at 2 p.m.

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The Western Historic Trails Center is operated by the State Historical Society of Iowa, a trustee of Iowa’s historical legacy and an advocate for understanding Iowa’s past. SHSI, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, identifies, records, collects, preserves, manages and provides access to Iowa’s historical resources. Its dual mission of preservation and education serves Iowans of all ages, conducts and stimulates research, disseminates information, and encourages and supports historical preservation and education efforts of others throughout the state. Please visit www.iowahistory.org or call 515-281-5111 for more information.

SHSI News