History Week

October brings lots of history activity at the museum or sponsored by the museum. Many opportunities to be a Colonial Pioneer woman in the New River Valley.

On Sunday, we had the annual Spirit Trails, but this year it was held at the restored historic Belle Hampton home and property, 280+ acres with several buildings that have been restored. The General Store is an Air B&B, the main house and additions cleaned up and available by appointment to visit, the cottage in which the owners live, plus the addition of a lovely huge pavillion that was the home base for the mule driven wagon rides through the history of the property and the various people that lived, worked, or fought on the land.

The owner Tom Hoge portraying the Governor.

Unfortunately, a strong line of thunderstorms came through during the third ride and the remaining tours had to be cancelled with one portrayal held in the pavillion for those folks who stayed. There were treats to be had, displays to see. Period dance lessons, cider pressing, and some kids activities as well.

Monday morning brought the first 70 4th graders from Pulaski County for Fall on the Frontier. We had 7 stations for them to visit, history of the town film, cider pressing and corn shelling, slavery talk, cooking, bobbin lace making, spinning and weaving, and militia with flintlocks fired.

We will host more classes tomorrow and Friday. The classes are always interesting as the students learn more about the history of the region in which they live and how it differed over 200 years ago.