Los Alamos Historical Society Presents Yuletide Tales, Honors Veterans

The Los Alamos Historical Society held Yuletide Tales on the evening of December 9 at the Hans Bethe House, bringing together residents for an hour of seasonal storytelling, local history and remembrance. Local author, poet and storyteller Mike Katko led the program from 7 to 8 p.m., sharing Christmas and winter stories drawn from Los Alamos past. The lineup also included poetry by Peggy Pond Church and a tribute to veterans in recognition of National Wreaths Across America Day on December 13, 2025. The event was free and open to all, and the society made the lecture available through its YouTube channel for those who could not attend in person.

The program reinforced the Los Alamos Historical Society's role as a steward of community memory and as a public convenor for civic rituals. By pairing seasonal storytelling with an explicit tribute to veterans the event linked cultural history with contemporary civic observance, offering a space for intergenerational connection and public recognition of military service. For residents, such programming provides an accessible way to engage with local history, and the online stream expanded reach beyond physical limitations of the venue.

From an institutional perspective the event illustrates how local historical organizations operate at the intersection of culture and civic life. Free admission and remote access lower barriers to participation, while curated programs that highlight veterans or other civic themes can complement formal commemorations and inform county decisions about public programming and partnerships. Funding and municipal support for cultural institutions shape their capacity to sustain this work, and the visibility of events tied to veterans recognition can influence collaboration between historical societies, veterans groups and county officials.

As Los Alamos enters the holiday period and prepares for formal observances on December 13 community events such as Yuletide Tales serve both ceremonial and educational functions. By documenting and sharing local stories the Los Alamos Historical Society contributes to civic knowledge and preserves the narratives that shape local identity, while offering practical access through live presentations and online archives for ongoing public engagement.