Spreading Christmas Cheer in Colonial America

This year may look and feel a little different, but despite the pandemic and gathering and travel restrictions, millions of people are still getting ready to celebrate the holidays, even if that means more online shopping, Zoom dinner parties, and a smaller holiday brunch guest list. So while you stay warm inside with a cup of hot cocoa, take some time to learn about how our ancestors celebrated Christmas, from wintry decorations to feasts fit for a king.

Unlike today, in Colonial America, Christmas was a holiday widely celebrated by adults — children didn’t…

Painting Your Home in 18th Century America

We all know the do’s and don’ts of painting — use painter’s tape, semi-gloss in the bathroom or kitchen, and definitely throw down a tarp to catch the paint drippings. But what did they do in 18th century America? Every historic house we visit had to have had some sort of paint on the walls 200+ years ago, but what did they use?

It should come as no surprise that lead was one of the most common types of paints during the 17th century (it wasn’t even banned in the U.S. until 1978!)…

Cooking and Dining in 18th Century America

If you’re anything like some of our board members and volunteers, then you have probably been testing out some new, fun recipes during this pandemic! Sure, homemade pizza or Asian potstickers may be delicious, but what about some good, old-fashioned recipes from 18th century America? Yes, much of early colonial cooking revolved around stew — beef stew, rabbit stew, mutton stew, you name it. But what about a recipe for those not looking for something so heavy, especially during these hot summer months? …

Popular Pastimes in 18th Century America

It’s almost summer! Usually, that means fun-filled, family vacations to the beach or abroad, but due to COVID-19, our plans to venture out have been significantly impacted. Fortunately, if you take a trip back in time to 18th century America, you don’t have to leave your home to have some good, old-fashioned colonial fun!

Imagine sitting inside, with nothing to do but house chores or indoor activities (wait — we’ve been doing that anyway, so I’d say we are used to it!). But in the colonial era, Americans didn’t have access to the internet…

Gardening in Colonial America

Spring is in the air, and summer is just around the corner, which has us thinking about warm weather, plenty of sunshine, and the smell of fresh flowers (unless, of course, you suffer from seasonal allergies!). When you picture a garden, you might see a backyard oasis full of blooming bushes and flowering vines draped over an arbor, or you might imagine a vegetable garden packed with your favorite peppers, tomatoes, and herbs. Whatever you see, it might not be entirely different from how your ancestors gardened in colonial America.

During the 18th century, colonial gardens…

Education in 18th Century America

The global pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has forced thousands of schools to close, meaning children across America are continuing their education from the comfort of their own home. It’s an experience that we all are trying to work through — cabin fever is no fun for anyone! It’s hard transitioning from a classroom full of friends and classmates to completing assignments (not just homework!) at home. But is it better than learning Latin, carpentry, or even weaving? Have your child read this article and see what they think. …

How to Cook (and Drink!) Like a Colonial

Life in the 18th century was far different from today. From food and drinks, to the way they dressed — things change. Growing your own herbs and vegetables and cooking on an open hearth was commonplace, though the wealthy often had cooks and servants doing the dirty work for them.

When it came to the type of wood used for the fire, hardwoods were the best. However, based on the area, only certain types of wood were available. Oak, hickory, hard maple, and dogwood were particularly popular and offered a solid, long-lasting…