Living History Events - June & July 2009

I N T H E S P O T L I G H T
Living History Events - June & July 2009

By Suzanne and Craig Sheumaker
authors of the new travel book America's Living History-The Early Years (ISBN: 978-0-9792598-0-7)
http://www.AmericasLivingHistory.com

June 4, 2009 - It's vacation time, and America's historical attractions are open to the public. What's more, many have special events that enable individuals and families to have fun with the past. We used our book, America's Living History - The Early Years, to help us create the following list of special offerings representative of our nation's earliest years. This list, which is drawn from attractions in the first two chapters, is just a sampling of what awaits you. Check the noted websites for details and other events too numerous to mention here. For additional information about America's top historical parks, see our book showcasing 300 historic sites and living history museums scattered throughout the U.S.

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America’s Native Peoples

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville, Illinois
(618) 346-5160. http://www.cahokiamounds.com/
Daily - Guided and Audio Tours of Monks Mound or the Grand Plaza and Other Mounds - Learn about the Mississippian Indian mound culture and this extraordinary city once inhabited by up to 20,000 Native Peoples. Cahokia Mounds covers 2,200 acres of the original site with lots of easy-walking trails.
June 19-21 - National Road Festival - See activities at communities along the National Road (old US 40), including at Cahokia Mounds: Tours of digs.
June 21 - Summer Solstice Sunrise Observance - Meet at the reconstructed Woodhenge to hear an explanation of the discovery, form and function of this ancient sun calendar. No ceremonies performed.
July 11 - Contemporary Indian Art Show - Paintings, drawings, sculpture, metalwork, ceramics, jewelry, textiles and more by American Indian artists from across the country.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Mandan, North Dakota
(701) 667-6380. http://www.fortlincoln.com/
Daily - Guided Tours of General George Armstrong Custer's House - “Living history” style guided tour through the reconstructed Custer House and Central Barracks where the 7th Cavalry lived before going into battle at Little Big Horn.
Daily - Guided Tours of On-a-Slant Village - “Living history” style guided tour through the archaeological site and six reconstructed earth lodges where Mandan Indians lived on the west bank of the Missouri River until the late 1700s.
June 20-22 - Fort Lincoln Festival - Military re-enactments and educational activities for both children and adults.

Ganondagan State Historic Site, Victor, New York
(585) 742-1690. http://www.ganondagan.org/
Saturdays and Sundays - Guided Trail Walks - Take a trip back in time, learning about the Seneca Indian lifestyle and exploring the reconstructed bark longhouse.

Petroglyph National Monument, Albuquerque, New Mexico
(505) 899-0205. http://www.nps.gov/petr/planyourvisit/events.htm
June 6 - Flint Knapping Workshop - Join flint knapper Otis Price and archaeologist Ron Fields for a hands-on experience with the ancient Indian art of making stone tools and projectile points.
Saturdays and Sundays - Stories, Lectures and Performances - Educational and fun presentations about the ancient Mimbres people, their pottery artwork, way of life, Native dance, etc.

SunWatch Indian Village & Archaeological Park, Dayton, Ohio
(937) 268-8199. http://www.sunwatch.org/
June 20 - In Celebration of Summer Solstice - Tour the 800-year-old reconstructed Fort Ancient Village located on the bank of the Great Miami River. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, open bar, silent auction and Native American games in the partially reconstructed Indian Village. Advance registration is required.
June 27-28 -Keeping the Tradition Pow Wow - Enjoy the beat of drums and the sound of American Indian music as Native Peoples perform both men's and women's dances, including the men's grass dance and the women's shawl and jingle dance. Traditional American Indian food as well as arts and crafts will be available.

Taos Pueblo, Taos, New Mexico
(505) 758-1028. http://taospueblo.com/
June 13 - San Antonio Feast Corn Dance - Religious ceremony.
June 24 - San Juan Day Corn Dance - Religious ceremony.
July 10-12 - 23rd Annual Taos Pueblo Pow Wow - Opportunity to experience a Pueblo Indian tradition.
July 25 - Santiago Day Corn Dance - Religious ceremony.
July 26 - Santa Ana Day Corn Dance - Religious ceremony.
Visitors are welcomed, but no photography is allowed at religious ceremonies. Some photography is allowed at the Pow Wow and pueblo for a small fee, but please show the same respect that you would in your own neighborhood.

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European Colonization

Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, St. Augustine, Florida
(904) 829-6506, ext. 234. http://www.nps.gov/casa
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays - Historic Weapons Demonstrations - Rangers and volunteers demonstrate the weapons, and relate the experiences of the colonial Spanish soldier of 1740s St. Augustine.

Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area, Williamsburg, Virginia
(800) 447-8679. http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/visit/eventsAndExhibits/calendar/index.cfm
Daily - Guided Walking Tours, Presentations and Performances - Orientation walks, garden tours, educational talks and performances by re-enactors.
Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays starting mid-June - The Apprentice - Family activities program at three trade shops, with mementos to collect at each shop and sew into a stitch book.
Tuesdays and Thursdays starting mid-June - Let's Go to the Farm - Family activities program in a farm area, where most of the free and enslaved population lived before, during and after the Revolution.
June 26, 27, 28 - Under the Redcoat - Witness the arrival of the British Army as they seize Williamsburg, raise the British flag over the Capitol and commence occupation of the town. Learn how life in 18th-century Williamsburg changed under Redcoat control. Gain added perspective from the women and the enslaved community.

Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, Prairie du Rocher, Illinois
(618) 284-7230. http://www.ftdechartres.com
June 6-7 - 39th Annual Rendezvous - One of the largest in the country. 18th century crafts, food, music, hundreds of historically dressed participants, flintlock rifle and musket competition, cannon and mortar competition, traders and much more. Free admission. Small parking fee.

Historic Natchitoches, Natchitoches. Louisiana
(800) 259-1714. http://events.natchitoches.net
June 13-14 - Melrose Arts & Crafts Festival - The annual arts and crafts festival is held the second weekend of June on the grounds of Melrose Plantation and showcases the work of more than 150 artists and craftsmen.

Historic St. Mary's City, St. Mary's City, Maryland
(240) 895-4991. http://www.stmaryscity.org/events.html
June 20 - Maryland's Birthday Bash - Celebration of Maryland's 375th anniversary at the place where it all began. Lots of activities, entertainment and food at this museum of Living History and archaeology in tidewater Maryland.
July 25-26 - Tidewater Archaeology Weekend - At one of America's finest colonial archaeology sites, work along with the pros screening and identifying bits of Maryland's past.

Jamestown Settlement; Yorktown Victory Center, Williamsburg vicinity, Virginia
(888) 593-4682. http://www.historyisfun.org/calendar.htm
June 1-30 - Tools of the Trade - Implements used for farming, fishing, hunting, defense, navigation and building by people of 17th- and 18th-century Virginia are examined through interpretive programs and hands-on activities. At Jamestown Settlement's Powhatan Indian village, visitors can see historical interpreters turn stone into arrow points and tools, and use bone, wood and shell to fashion garden tools and eating utensils.

El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, Santa Fe, New Mexico
(505) 471-2261. http://www.golondrinas.org/calendar.htm
June 6-7 - Spring Festival and Children's Fair - Learn about New Mexico's history the fun way! Costumed villagers will tell you - and show you - about life on a Spanish colonial ranch. Sheep sheering, blacksmithing and candle making are just some of the activities your family will enjoy.
July 25-26 - Herb and Lavender Fair - At one of the museum's most popular events, visitors can view the museum's herb fields, make their own lavender "wand," hear expert presentations, buy lavender/herb products and even sample foods made with lavender.

Old Fort Niagara, Youngstown, New York
(716) 745-7611. http://oldfortniagara.org/
Daily starting June 20 - Niagara Besieged - Commemorates the 250th anniversary of the siege of Fort Niagara during the French and Indian War. Special daily programs enable visitors to experience firsthand the events of 1759.
July 3-5 - French & Indian War Encampment - The fort's largest French and Indian War encampment. Living history interpreters, crafts, food and many entertaining activities.

Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, Massachusetts
(508) 746-1622. http://www.plimoth.org/
June 13 - Mayflower Day - June 13th marks the arrival of Mayflower II to Plymouth 52 years ago today! Full day celebration and personal reminiscences of the remarkable 1957 voyage from England to America.
June 20 - 13th Annual Strawberry Thanksgiving - Native people celebrate many thanksgivings throughout the year to show appreciation to the Earth and the Creator. Strawberries are the first fruit of the new growing season, and were honored in the 17th century with ceremony, singing, dancing, feasting and games. Visitors will participate with Native peoples as they re-enact this daylong celebration of thanks. 17th-century football games, mishoon (canoe) races, feasting and Eastern social songs and dances.
June 27 - Re-enactment: The Wedding of Edward Bangs and Lydia Hickes - The mock-ceremony will be held in the English Village. Visitors are invited to join the day-long festivities, from decorating the bridal chamber to merrymaking at the Bride-ale (wedding feast) and meeting Native wedding guests.
July 3-7 - Tall Ships Coming to Plymouth - Opportunity to discover the beauty of an historic ship.
Tuesdays in July - The Big Catch: Wampanoag Fishing Day - Join Native staff at the mishoon (canoe) area of the Wampanoag Homesite to learn all about 17th century Wampanoag fishing technology. Opportunity for hands-on learning with net making and weaving a fish weir (a traditional type of fencing used for trapping fish). Also see, touch and feel the different fishing tools used by the Wampanoag people, including: harpoons, spears, fishhooks, and a varied selection of nets.
July 11, 18, 25 - Breakfast with the Animals - Wake up with Plimoth Plantation's Rare Breed animals including Kerry and Milking Devon cows, Arapawa goats, Wiltshire sheep, and Red Dorking chickens. Help museum staff feed the kids, collect eggs, and brush the cows. This family-friendly program is a great opportunity for a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at the care and training of the special animals that live in the English Village.

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