Robert Toombs House to present Christmas music Saturday, Dec. 9

Decorations are in place and the stage is set for the Christmas celebration at the Robert Toombs House Historic Site on December 9. On December 9, from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., the Robert Toombs House State Historic Site will celebrate the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites 75th Anniversary with an interpretation of favorite Christmas Melodies .

The 1930-to-2006 lyrics will come to life as "Santa and His Elves" will present a delightful experience. "White Christmas" was written in the 1940s and will be interpreted outside with music and lights. "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," the popular 1930s melody, will begin the inside portion of the tour and the 2004 song from The Polar Express, "When Christmas Comes to Town," will end the program. Refreshments will be served.

Historically speaking, the Robert Toombs House was occupied by the Colley Family from 1888 until 1973, when the State of Georgia purchased the Site. The Site was named for Robert Augustus Toombs, successful planter, attorney, state legislator, U.S. congressman and senator, Confederate Secretary of State, Brigadier General in the Army of Northern Virginia, and State Attorney for railroad litigation until 1880. His greatest contribution to the State of Georgia was helping to create the Georgia Constitution of 1877.

From 1982 to 2006, The Robert Toombs House has served as a cultural resource operated by the Department of Natural Resources. The 19-room, 7,129-square-foot antebellum mansion represents evidence of growth through Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian styles of architecture. It is this evidence that is the essence of its architectural merit. The original outbuildings, trees, and heirloom plants outside, and the 18th- and 19th-century furnishings inside, are evidence of the culture of the era the house and grounds represent.

Over the past 24 years, the site has had five managers - Nita Riley, Jane Garner, Peggy Callaway, Marty Fleming, and currently Judd Smith who also manages the A.H. Stephens Park. The current site staff, Ashley Aultman, assistant manager, and Marcia Campbell, interpretive ranger, wish to thank the community of Washington for its continued support.

"Georgia has one of the best state park systems in the nation. As the Robert Toombs House celebrates the 75th Anniversary of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites we invite you to visit the DNR at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/75th or call the Robert Toombs House at 706-678-2226 for more program information," Smith said.