In each of the museum’s three buildings, visitors can step back into a different era to see a glimpse of what Christmas was like in Norway.

The Odill farmhouse offers an old-fashioned “Victorian Christmas,” Jake’s Cabin a “Pioneer Christmas.” The main building jumps ahead in time for a “Mid-Century Christmas.”

“A highlight of the evening will be our live actors at different stations,” said event coordinator Carol Sundstrom, museum board and partners member. “These high school drama students will be dressed in costume and portray someone from that time period.”

As an example, Sundstrom explained that while in the farmhouse kitchen, an actor may be describing Christmas dinner preparations.

Mary Spera decorates the real Christmas tree in the Jake Menghini cabin at the museum in Norway. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

“It’s almost like little mini-plays within each section,” she said.

Sundstrom said she made a script from the research Partners member Shirley Foisy did for the event.

Each of the buildings have been decorated to a specific time period.

She said some of the pieces came from the museum artifacts, but most have been brought in by Partner members.

A special feature in the main building is a large display of vintage cardboard houses and lead figures from the late ’30s through ’60s, provided by Sundstrom and her husband, Martin Straka.

Gail Nicholson prepares the Santa room for the first Holiday History Celebration on Dec. 6 at the Jake Menghini Historical Museum in Norway.

“People use to have these little towns set up under their Christmas trees,” she said. “You use to be able to buy these for a dime.”

The couple acquired the collection of more than 100 houses from Straka’s grandparents and parents, as well as from her great-aunt.

“I remember laying on the floor in the ’50 just mesmerized looking at it,” said Sundstrom. “It was magical to me, so when my aunt passed I inherited.”

Sundstrom noted the whole display lights up as well.

The main museum will also have a living room and kitchen area set up like someone was decorating for Christmas, complete with vintage tree and toys.

Mary Kay Ebeling and Barb Menghini decorate the vintage tree for the first Holiday History Celebration at the Jake Menghini Museum. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

“I even had wrapping paper from the ’50s and old ribbon,” she said.

“I think some of the pieces, especially the vintage toys, will bring back memories for people,” Sundstrom said.

Jake’s original cabin and the Odill home will each have real Christmas trees with time period decor.

The outdoor entry porch of the museum will also have antique sporting goods, including skis, sled and another tree.

Crystal Hogan and Dawn Krans, along with carolers, will perform Christmas music starting at about 4 p.m.

“We will also have Scrooge walking around harassing people,” she said.

The Partners will have a Christmas Market offering items for sale, including hot chocolate and cookies.

They will also have crafts and treats for the children.

Several characters will also be visiting with the children for special photo opportunities.

Sundstrom hopes the event will become a tradition as part of Christmas in Norway. She credits Norway DDA Interim Coordinator Kenzie Williamsen for her work in expanding the Christmas in Norway event.

The community is encouraged to come to enjoy an evening of celebrating Christmas past.

“I’ve had so much fun with this,” Sundstrom said. “It will sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.”

Admission for the evening is $5. The museum is at 105 Odill Drive in Norway.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.