The Crafts and Skills

* Hearth Cooking
* Blacksmithing
* Woodworking
* Kitchen Garden
* Textile Crafts

The weekend livign history program focuses on 18th century rural life. On Sundays from 1-4 p.m., interpreters in period attire demonstrate the trades of blacksmithing and woodworking, as well as sustenance skills such as cooking, gardening, sewing, and spinning.

The middle and late 19th century is interpreted through a Civil War era clothing construction exhibit and demonstration, and a re-created general store. Stop in and experience a bit of history.

When our interpreters work at their crafts, you can watch while they produce useful articles from natural materials with the same kinds of tools craftsmen used in the 18th century.

When the ladies are sewing, they will be delighted to show you how to hand stitch a seam or a hem, or create fine embroidery, or how to decorate a hat in the latest fashion.

If the weather is fine enough for working outdoors, the woodworkers will discuss any number of matters involving the construction of tables, chairs, windows, and any other item of wood necessary for the household.

Should you visit while the gunmaker is on scene, he will show you the methods of carving and finishing the stocks, along with the steps in assembling the barrel and locks.

And, finally, should you happen to stop by during a break from the day's work, perhaps you can learn to play Flip the Planks, or Hazard.

While you visit, pay mind to the future along with the past! As always, the Friends of Jerusalem Mill gratefully accepts donations, volunteer help, and ideas to make our Living History programs more engaging and useful.