The Animas Museum will celebrate Christmas in July on Saturday, July 16th from 10 am until 4 pm. Festivities will include candle-making, treats from the different ethnic groups that settled La Plata County, and historic information about Christmas traditions. Children can make an old-fashioned ornament to take home. This will be a great event for families and a great way to celebrate Christmas without the cold! During this event, the Historical Society will also be kicking off a project to restore the historic Peterson House on the south side of the grounds. The “Peterson Project” will begin with Operation Santa Claus to restore the chimney that once graced the home. One early inhabitant of the home was “Old Jimmy” McIntyre, whose obituary refers to him as “Santa Claus” for his generosity in providing gifts to poor children every Christmas. The Christmas in July event is free, but donations are especially welcome for this special project. The Animas Museum is located at the corner of 31st Street and West 2nd Avenue in north Durango. Call 970-259-2402 for more information.