Please welcome our 2026 History Experts and their Presentati

Distilling for the Ages

Brian will take us on a journey of early distilling in the colonies. Alcohol has been around since forever and this weekend is no different. Along with learning the techniques, challenges, and equipment, he will create an adult beverage for our tasting and discussions.

Details Matter - 18th Century Embroidery

Anna and Emerson will share their very detailed and researched knowledge of the who, what, where and when of 18th century hand embroidery.  An additional hands-on workshop will be included for you to try it and master it.

 Hands-on History: Pickling

This program we will recreate an 18th-century and one 19th-century pickling recipe and filled jar to take home.  Most likely we will be pickling Green Beans (choice of spicy or not) and Blackberries.

Why Linen?
Joe has so many historic details stored in his brain, and this weekend he will divvy out for us the particulars of why linen was so popular in the 18th century and when we started moving from linen to cotton, the trade routes that provided for them, along with more knowledge you didn't even consider.

Hot Air Balloons - In the 18th Century?
Abbie has a personal obsession with hot air balloons and she is always willing to share all the details, never too many, but it is fascinating. You see them in the air, but their creation, design and early use will intrigue you even more.

 Waistcoat /Weskit - Why the Changes?  

Brian may dress 1800ish every day, but his knowledge of men's clothing along with the slight and grandiose changes in a gentleman's waistcoat in 100 years is worthy of discussion.

The Magic of Hide Glue
Rudy has all the patience as a master craftsman and will talk about the history of hide glue and its importance in the production of furniture in Colonial America. Practical applications for today's woodworking will be discussed as well.

Calligraphy - You Only Think You Know

Doug has gone beyond research on the art of calligraphy. The 18th century occupation to the expertise required to actually make it legible.  He also has the patience to teach us how to use a pen and inkwell.

There have Always been Toys
Kay knows all about toys, she makes them, sells them, studies them and recreates some rather unique toys.  Join the fun of this class to play with some historic toys and make one to take home with you.

Teasing Secrets from the Grave
As a retired science teacher, Sheri still cannot but help to teach others. This will be a one of a kind presentation of DNA in a way that everyone will understand and want to learn more. Our individual ancestry may be unique to each of us but the connection between us is quite scientific.

Tobacco isn't Taboo
As the owner of Samson Historical, part of Abbie's job is researching items to sell and that research takes you down some weird and interesting holes. We see it at events, we smell it at events, but let us deep dive into what tobacco meant for farmers and the smokers of the 18th century. 

If Tools could Talk
Rudy will talk about the plane maker of 18th century America and have with him some of these collectible planes from his father-in-law's collection. The use of planes in the creation of all wood-based project in colonial America is unsurpassed.