Yuletide storytelling honors local history, veterans, and community access

The Los Alamos Historical Society brought the holiday season to the Hans Bethe House on December 9 with an evening of storytelling and local memory. The program featured tales from Los Alamos past, readings of poetry by Peggy Pond Church, and a brief tribute to veterans aligned with National Wreaths Across America Day. Admission was free and the society also offered online viewing via its YouTube channel for people who could not attend in person.

The event combined cultural preservation with civic recognition. By centering local stories and the work of a longtime regional poet, the program reinforced an oral record of community experience and identity. The tribute to veterans connected those memories to a national day of remembrance, giving attendees an occasion to reflect on service and loss during a communal gathering.

Providing a live stream expanded reach and reduced barriers to participation. Free admission and remote access help residents with limited income, mobility challenges, caregiving responsibilities, or health concerns to join without added financial or logistical strain. For older adults and immunocompromised community members, the option to participate virtually can make cultural life safer and more attainable.

The society staged the program in a historic setting, underscoring the role of local cultural institutions in promoting social cohesion. Public programs such as this also serve public health aims by offering social connection that supports mental health, especially during the winter months when isolation can increase. Ensuring continued funding and staffing for small museums and historical societies supports both heritage preservation and equitable access to community programming.

As Los Alamos moves through the holiday season, the model of combining in person ceremonies with online options offers a template for inclusive public events. Free, publicly accessible gatherings that honor local history and veterans reinforce civic ties while acknowledging practical barriers that many residents face. The Los Alamos Historical Society intends to keep such programs available to the community as part of its mission to preserve and share local history.