Watch the sparks fly during this blacksmithing highlight and learn how iron tools were made on a 19th-century farm. The blacksmith was a vital tradesperson, crafting and repairing everything from hinges and hooks to plow parts and nails. Discover how a coal forge, anvil, and hammer were used to shape red-hot iron into useful items. […]
Learn how rope was made in the 1800s. A simple-seeming but important item on any farm and traditionally made from hemp, the rope was used for many different tasks. At one time in the United States, a farmer was expected to have a certain amount of his crop in hemp as it was needed to […]
The average Early American settler used wool from sheep and linen made from flax for their clothing. When processed, both fibers are an off white to tan color. Since color in clothing was usually desirable, the farm wife would have to use natural plant materials to dye the skeins of yarn or fabric. Come discover […]
The schoolmarm will be holding class in the One-Room School. Participate as “students” and see how your grandparents learned their three Rs (reading, writing & arithmetic) with all grades (1st through 8th) in one room. Date: Thursday, August 14th Time: 10:00am – 3:30pm Fee: Included with tour admission Instructor: Bonnie Scott This is a special […]
For centuries, the bake oven was the heart of the homestead kitchen, providing families with fresh bread and baked goods on a weekly basis. From preparing the fire to testing the heat, baking in a traditional wood-fired oven was both an art and a science. Join us as we demonstrate how early American families used […]
For centuries, the bake oven was the heart of the homestead kitchen, providing families with fresh bread and baked goods on a weekly basis. From preparing the fire to testing the heat, baking in a traditional wood-fired oven was both an art and a science. Join us as we demonstrate how early American families used […]
For generations, children on the farm found creative ways to make their own toys from simple, natural materials. One beloved example is the corn husk doll—a handcrafted figure made from the dried leaves of a corn cob. At Quiet Valley, we demonstrate how these traditional dolls were made using time-honored techniques passed down through the […]
Rye straw is a practical material for storage baskets because it discourages rodents and other pests. In the hands of a craftsman, it also makes beautiful baskets as well as hats. A bee skep is another item that for many years was commonly made out of straw. Date: Thursday June 25th Time: 10:00am – 3:30pm […]
The 142nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Co. G, re-enactor encampment is a living history presentation. They portray as accurately as possible the drill and everyday life of soldiers in the 1800’s. By doing this they honor those who fought and give us a glimpse into our local history and heritage. Date: Saturday June 27 Time: Saturday […]
Come to the farm and learn about the multitude of natural fibers such as cotton, silk, etc. that are available for everything from spinning yarn for clothing to the even finer skills involved in creating fiber arts. Many different fiber artists will display their talents. Spinning, weaving, embroidery, bobbin lace, tatting, hand sewing, knitting, & […]
Farmer’s Cheese is a dairy product, an unripened cheese made by adding rennet and bacterial starter to coagulate and acidify milk. Farmer cheese may be made from the milk of cows, sheep or goats, with each giving its own texture and flavor. During coagulation the mixture separates into curds (solid) and whey (liquid), then the […]
This craft has been practiced for thousands of years and was a way to provide families with basic plates, cups and other types of vessels. Today the same articles are made as well as many other functional and artistic items. Instructor: Joan Glusiec Date: Friday August 7th Time: 10:00am – 3:30pm Fee: Included with tour […]