Demonstrations can be for modern or Colonial Period events.
Historical Interpretation
Spinning on a flax wheel or a wool wheel
I will bring my own great wheel (for spinning wool) or treadle wheel (for spinning flax or wool) to your location and demonstrate for the general public. I have demonstrated in the past at The Old State House in Boston, Gore Place (Waltham, MA), The Alden House (Duxbury, MA), the Hartwell Tavern at Minuteman National Historical Park (Lexington, MA) and Strawbery Banke (Portsmouth, NH).
Natural Dyeing
Dyeing fibers and fabrics with natural dye-stuffs was common in Colonial America. My experiments to date include black walnut, onion skins, Dyers Coreopsis, and homegrown madder root. Your venue must be able to safely accommodate an open fire outdoors. The full demonstration requires at least 3 hours, with access to the site 2 hours prior to the event.
Textiles from the Westford Historical Society’s Collections
This show & tell lecture is offered in cooperation with the Westford Museum & Historical Society. Their collection of local artifacts, from clothing and accouterments to linens and household items is typical of many New England towns. However, each one of these objects has its own unique and interesting story to tell.
