December 19, 2001

Expert on Christmas at Holy Cross

WORCESTER, Mass. – Edward T. O'Donnell, associate professor of history at the College of the Holy Cross, is an expert on the historical and cultural aspects of Christmas. He has studied, written and spoken about the evolution of Christmas as an American holiday for many years.

Among the aspects he covers:

• The Puritan ban on Christmas in the 17th century
• Clement Clarke Moore and his " 'Twas the Night ..." poem
• Thomas Nast and the development of the modern image of Santa Claus
• The introduction of the Christmas tree (by German immigrants)
• The story behind songs/TV specials like "Rudolph"

He recently published an article in The Irish Echo on the story of the famous "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" editorial that appeared in the New York Sun in 1897.

Author of the forthcoming 1001 Things Everyone Should Know About Irish American History, he has contributed to several PBS historical documentaries. He earned his Ph.D. from Columbia University.

He can be reached at 508.793.3730 (office) and 508.829.4964 (home office).

For additional information contact Kristine Caputo at 508.793.2419.

For additional information contact Cristal Perriello at 508.793.2419