The Parks-Bentley Place is once again bringing a “World of Nativities” to South Glens Falls.  Due to an anonymous donation and loan, the Historical Society of Moreau at Parks-Bentley Place has close to 300 nativity scenes from around the world to display and alternate throughout the upcoming years.

This year’s exhibit will highlight 125 of those 300 nativities. Many of the sets use unique materials from hardware to hand-blown glass while other pieces highlight characters that are traditional to the nativity’s country of origin. One set from Germany has a St. Bernard included since that dog is traditionally used for rescue and important to its culture. A Swiss nativity piece has an owl with it while a set from Peru contains a dolphin.

Last year when my family went to visit the Parks-Bentley exhibit, each room was filled with nativities displayed by the artist’s medium. There was a Nature room displaying crèches made out of corn husks, cloth, papier-mâché as well as other materials. Other rooms were arranged by Metal/Glass, Pottery/Porcelain, China and another just reserved for nativities made out of wood. This year the nativities have a different arrangement. Instead of being told the topic, a new layout allows for additional interaction and an opportunity to decipher the common idea of each nativity group.

“World of Nativities” will be on display at the Parks-Bentley Place, 53 Ferry Blvd. South Glens Falls on December 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 27, 28, 29 from 1-4 pm. Price is $5/adults, $3/children (under 12). Please call 518-745-7741 for requests for special tours for the school groups. A discount is available for school groups if tours are arranged in advance.

Photo of Parks-Bentley Place World of Nativities used with the permission of Diane Chase, AdirondackFamilyTime.com