Yes, Virginia, Christmas is Preserved and Restored in Oakmont

The volunteer-run Kerr Museum offers tours on Saturdays — with a festive twist for the holidays.

photo by CHUCK BEARD

In the quaint suburb of Oakmont, a museum hides inside a Victorian home.
 

Kerr Museum kitchen
 

The Kerr Memorial Museum, home to Dr. Thomas R. Kerr, his wife Jessie and daughter Virginia in the early 1900s, has served as a museum since 2002. The volunteer-run Kerr offers tours on Saturdays — with a festive twist for the holidays.
 

Kerr Museum dining room
 

A Victorian Christmas is brought to life in their Candlelight Evening Tours, complete with the tree, carolers and candles of a Victorian Christmas on display. “The Christmas tours are a lot of work, but the guests love them,” says volunteer Jan Shoop.
 

Kerr Museum office
 

This year’s theme, “Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” will dress volunteers as Virginia and Dr. Kerr, the latter of whom will read the classic letter in his office.
 

“Our goal is to make guests feel like they have stepped back in time,” Shoop says. “The Christmas tours are a great way to do that.”
 

Kerr Museum sitting room
 

The tours are set for Dec. 7 and 14; guests can call the museum in advance (412/826-9295) to reserve tickets.