DeForest Area Public Library

Many folks know that our modern-day Santa Claus had his start as St. Nicholas, but what happened on the journey to make us think of a "jolly old elf" rather than a pious Christian Bishop? Where, exactly, did Santa Claus come from, and why does his popularity remain so high in modern American popular culture?

This illustrated lecture is well-researched, with details on the journey Bishop Nicholas made to become our current-day Santa Claus. You’ll enjoy recognizing many familiar images and poems in this holiday program.

Put on your zoot suit and follow in the footsteps of America's most infamous gangsters as they turn WI into their personal crime vacation land. Filled with deadly bank robberies, explosive shootouts, brutal murders, and daring kidnappings, this presentation lets the audience discover the grisly locations where the gangster history will never die.

Registration required. Click here to register.

Celebrate the season with Ken Lonnquist and company's adaptation of the ancient Yuletide tale. It delights audiences with an uplifting and inclusive message of hope for peace.

Hearing that a special child is coming to make the world a better place, Old Befana begins a search which continues to this day during the holiday season. She doesn’t know whether the child she seeks is rich or poor, black or white, a boy or a girl.

The Wonderful World of Disney Musicals explores the history of the animated features that we love and the stories that they tell. Disney animated features have always connected with audiences through clever characters, entertaining stories, and with memorable songs.

It's Christmas morning on the snowy prairie. Join Laura as she reminisces about her childhood Christmases and looks forward to making memories with her new family, husband Almanzo and daughter Rose. Hear stories from her childhood days and see some of her beloved Christmas gifts.

Presenter: Laura F. Keys

An evening of brats, cheese, Sprecher’s root beer, ice cream, and original music by Ken Lonnquist, with Doug Brown.  Ken’s music is packed with humor and beautiful musical portraits of the Badger state.

Celebrate Wisconsin history, folklore, and natural places, plus the quirky delights of life among the cheeseheads.  

Seating is limited, so please register at the DeForest Area Public Library or on their website.

Badger & Packer attire encouraged!

     Kathleen's lively, richly-illustrated program will take readers 'behind the scenes' to reveal the people, places, and the past that inspired her to write the now eight books featuring museum curator (and reluctant sleuth) Chloe Ellefson and her police officer boyfriend Roelke McKenna.

Singers from Four Seasons Theatre explore the art of lyric writing through the work of a master lyricist: Stephen Sondheim. Join us as we use Sondheim’s own words and performances of his songs to learn about the lyricist’s craft.

This program is free and open to the public.

“Pop Up!” screenings will feature full length international festival films with discussions led by UWMadison & other local humanities experts who will connect themes addressed in the films with Wisconsin’s multicultural communities.

Film: A Quiet Passion (UK)

The story of American poet Emily Dickinson from her early days as a young schoolgirl to her later years as a reclusive, unrecognized artist. 

This event is part of the series:  The Horse-Human Connection.

Image