The Giles County Historical Society annual Christmas open house will take place Sunday, Dec. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the historic Andrew Johnston House, in Pearisburg, Virginia. Admission is free.

On the 67th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, learn about what Christmas was like during the World War II years in Christmas on the Home Front (1941-1945).

Rationing of items such as coffee, sugar, and gasoline and the scarcity of metal, paper, and rubber used for the war effort made for a simpler Christmas than today. Enjoy the 1829 Andrew Johnston House adorned with natural greenery and holiday decorations of war-time, taste holiday goodies made despite food rations, listen to war-time radio broadcasts, and learn how everyone supported the war effort and the troops overseas.

Christmas cards from loved ones on the war front, such as the one above from a GI in Paris, were much treasured by those on the home front during World War II. Such treasures will are part of the display.

Decorations and exhibits will remain in the Johnston House through the end of December and can be viewed during regular hours: Wednesday-Friday, 12-5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 2-5 p.m. The Historical Society will be closed Dec. 24, 25, and 31 and during the month of January.

The Giles County Historical Society works to perpetuate interest in the history of Giles County; provides a repository for Giles County family histories, documents, and artifacts; assists those interested in genealogical research; and voices concerns and pursues the preservation of any and all endangered Giles County history including artifacts, sites, and records. Please contact the Giles County Historical Society at 540.921.1050 or gileschs@i-plus.net for more information.