The River Valley has a chance to step back in time as the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Drennen-Scott Historic Site hosts its Victorian Christmas Open House Friday, Dec. 12. 

The Victorian Christmas Open House, slated from 5:30-8:30 p.m., has been the Drennen-Scott House’s longest running regular program since UAFS opened the museum house to the public in 2011. 

“The Drennen-Scott family had numerous Christmas traditions and recipes that we wanted to showcase. We also take the ropes down and allow people into areas they don't normally get close to,” said Tom Wing, assistant professor of history and director of the Drennen-Scott Historic Site. 

The event is held in conjunction with the City of Van Buren and the Old Town Merchant Association and their annual Christmas activities, Wing said. 

“We wanted to have a signature event, and I think we've been able to do that overtime,” he said. “Those attending can, for a few minutes, step back in time, maybe consider holiday traditions that we follow today and where they came from historically, and ponder that the people of the 19th century cared about many of the same things that we do today.” 

The drop-in event for the entire family will feature music, decorations, and fellowship. There will not be any tours or lectures during this event, Wing said. 

A band ensemble led by Dr. Alexandra Zacharella, UAFS director of bands and associate professor of low brass, and choir students from Van Buren High School will perform at the Drennen-Scott House throughout the evening. 

“Live music in the house is pretty cool,” Wing said. “We will serve eggnog, wassail, and the family’s traditional sugared pecans straight from the family recipe book.” 

Numerous costume interpreters will add to the Victorian mood of the evening. 

The house will be decorated by the Friends of the Drennen-Scott Advisory Board and members of the Van Buren High School History Club, making the event a partnership with the Van Buren School District and its students, Wing said. 

The Wilhauf House will also be open throughout the event.  

“Down at the Wilhauf House, we will have a Victorian Santa Claus, Harold Trisler, a selfie station with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a children's holiday arts and craft project, and traditional live music by the Arkansas Travelers folk group led by Ernie Hill,” Wing said. 

Golf carts will shuttle visitors between both houses, weather permitting. 

Trisler, Fort Smith author of the non-fiction history book and 2023 TAZ finalist in non-fiction, Finding the Lost Dalton, will also be at the Little Lions Meet Santa from 9 a.m. to noon on the UAFS campus on Saturday, Dec. 6. 

The Drennen-Scott Historic Site is the former home of pioneer John Drennen and his descendants. The Drennen-Scott family continuously occupied the home in Van Buren until the early 2000s. It was acquired by UAFS in 2005. 

Built in 1838 and restyled in 1847, the Wilhauf House was originally owned by Leonard Wilhauf, a German immigrant and veteran of the Mexican War. The house enables UAFS to illustrate the daily life contrasts between the 19th century's elite and working-class families. 

The restored Drennen-Scott and Wilhauf sites serve as a laboratory to train museum professionals and historical interpreters through displays of original family furnishings and artifacts owned by the Historic Arkansas Museum. It offers UAFS students and researchers experience in archaeological digs, historic gardening, and horticulture.