Our Story
For unto us is born a Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. We celebrate His birth on December 25th each year and Toni celebrates His birth by displaying her (almost 1,000) Nativity set collection for the public to behold. The showing has taken place every other year since 1996. The last showing (in 2024) was the 17th showing. Toni began collecting Nativity scenes in 1961, the year she and Bob Conway were married. However, the collection “was born” on their 25th wedding anniversary in 1986 when she received a sterling silver Nativity ornament from her sister-in-law “because you collect Nativities”. Toni’s response was, “I do? I guess I do!” She has avidly added to her collection since that time.
The Open House vision began in 1996 – ten years later. Toni’s Mom, Frances Skittone, said numerous times, “You should display these – they are too pretty not to share.” When her Mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1996, Toni did host an Open House with 167 Nativities to share with the public. Her Mom was her first hostess at the event, and they entertained almost 200 guests. She lost her Mom the next year and Toni has, in her honor, continued to share the growing collection every other year since. The last showing in 2024 welcomed almost 1,100 guests.
The collection is made from varying materials and styles – from one small, tiny half cut marble to a full life size glistening white Nativity. Some of the newest sets include a Nativity carved from fossilized walrus jawbone, a beaded Nativity from India and a hand-sewn colorful Nativity from South Africa. You are welcome to enjoy these and all the nativities one by one by viewing “Collection” on this website.
The 2026 Nativity Open House details are listed on the "Our Story" page of this website.