​NH Military Families Create Tree Ornaments​

MANCHESTER, NH — Members of New Hampshire military families, working with the Currier Museum of Art, have created ornaments for New Hampshire’s tree that is part of the 2016 National Christmas Tree display at President’s Park outside the White House in Washington, D.C. As we head into the depths of winter, New Hampshire’s ornaments are reminders of the state’s natural beauty in the spring and incorporate both our state flower and state tree.

Ornaments have a painted collage background of birch trees against a colorful sky and a three dimensional lilac sculpture in the foreground. Children and spouses of military members, according to a press statement, as well as two adults currently serving, made the ornaments, creating additional ones in honor of two parents who are both currently deployed.

“Being part of this project was not only an honor but a once in a lifetime experience,” said Holly Rousseau, a teacher at the Currier Museum’s Art Center. “All of the participants shared about their military connections, experiences and pride while they worked.

“By the end, each person was joyful and excited by being able to create their unique ornament, many taking photos before handing the ornaments in. All participants expressed how much pride they felt in having the opportunity to be part of this project, and thankful that they could represent their respective military affiliations.”

New Hampshire’s tree is one of 56 trees – representing each U.S. state, territory and the District of Columbia – that will surround the National Christmas Tree.

In 1856, New Hampshire’s Franklin Pierce, 14th president of the United States, became the first president to place a Christmas tree in the White House.

The National Christmas Tree Lighting began on Christmas Eve in 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge lit a Christmas tree in front of 3,000 spectators on the Ellipse. Since then, each succeeding President has carried on the tradition. In addition to the display, President’s Park hosts a variety of family-oriented holiday attractions, including nightly performances and a model train display.

The Division of the Arts is a publicly funded agency within the New Hampshire Department of Cultural Resources. It began in 1965 with legislation designed “to insure that the role of the arts in the life of our communities will continue to grow and play an ever more significant part in the education and welfare of our citizens.” Funding comes from state appropriations, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Conservation License Plate fund.

Learn more at nh.gov/nharts.

Submitted by Shelly Angers.