'Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown' Exhibit In Sand Springs Brings Animated Classic To Life

The animated classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas, taught us what Christmas is all about starting with its release in 1965. Now, the story is on display at the Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum with a new traveling exhibit titled "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown."

"For my generation we waited to see when it was going to come on TV to watch it for Christmas, so I think it is just a nostalgic memory that warms everyone's heart," said museum trustee Debbie Nobles.

The exhibit features more than 50 Peanuts comic strips and vintage Peanuts-themed memorabilia. Some of it comes from the Charles Schulz Museum in California and the rest is two locals personal collection.

Nobles said it is those collectors that helped the museum land this sought after exhibit.

"We have been on the waiting list for over five years to get it, so we have been planning, hoping, and waiting until it got here and it is just absolutely wonderful," Nobles said.

"Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown" is nostalgic for the older generation and is helping introduce the next generation to the beloved Peanuts characters.

Kira McDonald, a teacher at Sandite Child Development Center in Sand Springs, brought a few Pre-K students to see the display this week.

"I think bringing the Peanuts into the Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum is very good for the kids to be aware of the museum we have here and all the interactive things they can do," McDonald said.

Along with the comic strips and memorabilia is a table for coloring, a Santa letter writing station, a gift shop, and an area with a television to watch a video from creator Charles Schulz about the making of A Charlie Brown Christmas.

On Saturday, Dec. 16th, special guest Melanie Kohn, the voice actor for Lucy Van Pelt from 1974 to 1977, will be at the museum starting at 2 p.m. to read to children, sign autographs, and take photos with fans. Santa will also be there for the event.

Admission to the museum and exhibit is free.

Sand Springs Cultural & Historical Museum is located at 9 E Broadway St. in downtown Sand Springs.

It is open Tuesday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday starting at 10 a.m.