Makers on the Mountain

Introducing a NEW series in our Historic Park!
Makers on the Mountain

A series of demonstrations of historic skills and crafts in our Historic Park.

Winter 2025 Saturday Series

Winter Historic Park Demonstrations
Catch our talented Historic Park staff members and volunteers in the act. Learn how things were done in the 1800s and maybe even lend a hand. Have questions? Our interpreters are happy to share information and answer questions about what they are doing along the way. Although the skills demonstrated are from the past, many of them have modern applications too.

Saturday, January 4 – Baking in Balch

We will start the year with something tasty as we bake corn muffins and cookies in the cast iron
cookstove, brew tea and coffee, and enjoy the start to the new year 19th century style.

Saturday, January 18 – Soapmaking
In preparation for the new year, we will be making batches of goat milk soap, which is an traditional type of soap. Goat milk is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that nourish and moisturize the skin.

Saturday, February 1 – Puzzle Purses
Puzzle purses were a popular way of sending love notes or Valentines in the 18th and 19th centuries. This folded paper technique has
a history that dates back to the 1st century Common Era. By the early 1700s in England and Colonial America, the puzzle purse began to be used as a means of exchanging romantic messages. Today this type of paperfolding is referred to as “letterlocking”.

Saturday, February 15 – Quilting
Quilting has a long history in this country. Recycled cloth was often used to quilt bed coverings. These patchwork quilts were originally produced for utilitarian purposes but have become a commemorative art form. Join us as we begin work on our new quilting project for the year.