DAYTON, Ohio — Families and groups looking for a special way to celebrate the holidays can still visit the University of Dayton’s exhibit of Nativities after Christmas Day.

“At the Manger: Peace on Earth,” an exhibit of more than 200 Nativities at the University’s Roesch Library, is open through Jan. 27, but will be closed Dec. 23-25, Dec. 30 through Jan. 1, and Jan. 21. The exhibit is drawn from the vast collection of Nativities, also called crèches, held by the University’s Marian Library.

Visiting the display during the Christmas season has become a tradition with many families and groups.

This year, lesson plans for the World Nativity exhibit can be downloaded from the library website. The lessons, developed by education majors from the University’s School of Education and Allied Professions, include standards for Ohio Academic Content.

The lesson plans include activities that are fun as well as informative for schools, home-school teachers and church groups. The study plans can be also be customized for individual use.

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio who visit the exhibits during the holiday season can also earn participation patches.

Exhibit hours vary. For information on exhibits, hours, directions and parking, visit http://udayton.edu/libraries/manger  or call 937-229-4234. Guided group tours are available on request by calling 937-229-4214. All events are free and open to the public.

The University of Dayton’s Marian Library/International Marian Research Institute h