Christmas in St. Michaels Ornament Announced

Christmas in St. Michaels has recently unveiled its 2025 Christmas in St. Michaels Limited Edition Collector’s Ornament, with the 22nd in the series depicting the historic Teetotum Building at the St. Michaels Museum at St. Mary’s Square. The design is based on original artwork by local artist Maggii Sarfaty.
“The Teetotum is one of the most recognizable landmarks in town, and this year’s ornament lets us share that piece of history with everyone who loves St. Michaels,” said Christmas in St. Michaels Chair Pat Martin. “This ornament celebrates its story of resilience, community, and how our town preserves its past.”
The Teetotum Building dates to the 1850s and is the central of three structures comprising the St. Michaels Museum. The unusual name comes from its roof design, which resembled a gambling spinning top called a “teetotum.” Some locals also referred to it as the “teetotal” because of its perfectly square footprint.
Around 1940, the building was remodeled into a single room, where local barber Eugene Harrison operated “Gene’s Barber Shop” from 1937 to 1968. Today, his barber’s chair and shoeshine stand remain in their original places. The building was moved to its current site at East Chestnut Street and St. Mary’s Square in 1968 and given to the museum by the bank.
“Museum exhibits in the Teetotum tell some of our most important stories—from daily life on St. Mary’s Square, the original heart of the town, to the British attacks of 1813, and even the life and times of Frederick Douglass,” Martin said. “That history is something we want to keep alive, and this ornament is a keepsake reminder of that heritage.”
The boxed ornament will be available at select local retail shops and during the Christmas in St. Michaels Marketplace and Sweet Shoppe. Online purchases for all St. Michaels Limited Edition Collector’s Ornaments can be made at christmasinstmichaels.org/ornament.
Since the all-volunteer organization’s beginnings, sponsors and patrons of Christmas in St. Michaels have helped raise more than $1.7 million to support local children and adults through education, child development, and community programs.
For more information, including event details and online purchases, please visit christmasinstmichaels.org