‘Santa Claus: History of the World’s Most Legendary New Yorker’ Webinar
‘Twas a cold, winter eve on December 6th, 1810, when a group of New York City’s business and cultural leaders — including a young Washington Irving and Clement Clark Moore, and New York Historical Society founder John Pintard — gathered to celebrate the birthday of 4th century Christian bishop and miracle worker St. Nicholas. While a toast was in order, the meeting had another goal: to create a symbol of peace in a New York City rocked by social unrest around Christmas time. A consensus was reached and St. Nicholas’ Dutch name, SinterKlaas, was adapted to the American-sounding one of Santa Claus. This is the true, magical story of the world’s most legendary New Yorker.
Join New York Adventure Club as we journey back in time to uncover the origins of Santa Claus, who became a symbol of generosity, joy, peace, prosperity, patriotism, and politics since his modern adaptation took New York City by storm over 200 years ago.
Led by NYC tour guide Jared Goldstein, our exploration of the untold story of Santa Claus and his New York roots will include:
- The evolution of Santa Claus into the one we know and love today, and why New York can take most of the credit
- The darker side of Christmas in New York, including the Christmas Riot of 1806, and how Santa domesticated the holiday
- Santa’s adoption in political, social, and commercial campaigns, from Union Propaganda during the Civil War, to gracing stamps used to raise money for charity, to being the official Coca-Cola holiday mascot
- A virtual trip to the Clement Clark Moore residence in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood to unwrap some Christmas surprises, including where ‘A Visit From St Nicholas’ was rumored to be penned, and why Santa’s big day moved from December 6th to the 24th
- Little known NYC connections with Santa, such as how Macy’s supports Santa, a famous newspaper editorial titled “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” and how the creator of Uncle Sam helped changed the image of Santa Claus to a man from originally an elf
Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Jared — any and all questions about Santa Claus are welcomed and encouraged!
Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!
See you there, virtually! $10.
When: Tue., Dec. 22, 2020 at 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
‘Twas a cold, winter eve on December 6th, 1810, when a group of New York City’s business and cultural leaders — including a young Washington Irving and Clement Clark Moore, and New York Historical Society founder John Pintard — gathered to celebrate the birthday of 4th century Christian bishop and miracle worker St. Nicholas. While a toast was in order, the meeting had another goal: to create a symbol of peace in a New York City rocked by social unrest around Christmas time. A consensus was reached and St. Nicholas’ Dutch name, SinterKlaas, was adapted to the American-sounding one of Santa Claus. This is the true, magical story of the world’s most legendary New Yorker.
Join New York Adventure Club as we journey back in time to uncover the origins of Santa Claus, who became a symbol of generosity, joy, peace, prosperity, patriotism, and politics since his modern adaptation took New York City by storm over 200 years ago.
Led by NYC tour guide Jared Goldstein, our exploration of the untold story of Santa Claus and his New York roots will include:
- The evolution of Santa Claus into the one we know and love today, and why New York can take most of the credit
- The darker side of Christmas in New York, including the Christmas Riot of 1806, and how Santa domesticated the holiday
- Santa’s adoption in political, social, and commercial campaigns, from Union Propaganda during the Civil War, to gracing stamps used to raise money for charity, to being the official Coca-Cola holiday mascot
- A virtual trip to the Clement Clark Moore residence in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood to unwrap some Christmas surprises, including where ‘A Visit From St Nicholas’ was rumored to be penned, and why Santa’s big day moved from December 6th to the 24th
- Little known NYC connections with Santa, such as how Macy’s supports Santa, a famous newspaper editorial titled “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” and how the creator of Uncle Sam helped changed the image of Santa Claus to a man from originally an elf
Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Jared — any and all questions about Santa Claus are welcomed and encouraged!
Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!
See you there, virtually! $10.
Buy tickets/get more info now
