This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
Evolution of the Christmas tree from German origins to American tradition
The custom began in western Germany with written records dating to 1521. German settlers in Pennsylvania carried it to the United States, spreading through New England and New York. Franklin Pierce popularized the tree at the White House in 1856. Early decorations included fruit nuts ribbons and popcorn. Today three quarters of American homes display Christmas trees.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Department of Forestry
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Germany
United States
Pennsylvania
New England
New York
Franklin Perce
White House
Washington
America