Friends of Minute Man National Park

Sunday, February 14 — 1pm to 4:30pm, Minute Man National Historic Park, all events at Noah Brooks Tavern

10am–4pm Shift-o-Rama
Give yourself a Valentine in the form of a new shift. Enjoy a day of camaraderie and learning. The guest expert, Sharon Burnston, author of Fitting and Proper, will explain about the evolution of shifts through the 18th century, and you will construct your shift using period sewing techniques. You will be entertained during the day with 18th century prose.
Admission is free, but pre-registration is required: email stephzsmith@gmail.com. Attendees will need to purchase and pre-wash and iron their linen prior to workshop. Please see information on yardage and sources.

1–3pm Sewing for Children
(6 yrs old and up) Learn how to sew by mastering the basics—from threading a needle, knotting a thread, running stitch and backstitch. Make a drawstring bag to use at events.

1–3pm Making a Huswif
Learn to sew or hone your skills by making a housewife (an 18th century sewing kit). Henry Cooke will guide you through reproducing one from his collection.
Materials Cost: $10 Please plan on pre-registering so we have enough kits.

3–4pm Learn the Norfolk Drill
Join members of the 10th Mass in the carriage house to learn the Norfolk Drill. Research has shown that it is one of the predominant drills used throughout Massachusetts and practiced by many of the militia companies. Bring your musket, bayonet and empty cartridge box.

All the details about this Hive, additional workshops and future Hive sessions can be found online at their website: The Hive Online

The Center for 18th Century Life is a creative partnership between Minute Man National Historical Park and several 18th century living history organizations dedicated to the advancement of research-based living history.

What is the purpose?

In this unique partnership, the volunteer reenactors and park staff provide the creative drive, historical knowledge, and primary source research to plan and present living history events, and also the training and development necessary for creating and/or improving period impressions.

Meanwhile, the Park, with its many historic structures, landscapes, and interpretive expertise, serves as the forum for the sharing of knowledge and information relative to 18th Century New England, and an evocative venue for living history events. Our goal is to raise the standards of authenticity and interpretive value in living history programming here at the park and elsewhere in New England.

To learn more about the resources available, click here to visit the Center’s for 18th Century Life information page.

The Ladies of Refined Taste & Friends are pleased to announce their Fifth Annual Hive Clothing Workshop Season. The Hive will be held on one Sunday of each month from January to March from 1pm–4pm at Minute Man National Historic Park in Concord, MA. They’re thrilled about this year’s schedule and have tried to make sure there’s something for everyone.

This year, the first Hive on Sunday, Janaury 17th will be a mini-symposium at the MMNHP main visitor center in Lincoln (topic: “Why We Wear What We Wear”). The second Hive on February 14th and the third Hive on March 14th, at the Noah Brooks Tavern on Rte. 2A, will include sewing bees, clinics, and project series. Please check the Hive website for any changes in venue and/or any cancellations due to weather. As before, the Sunday Hive sessions are free of charge to reenactors and Park volunteers—please note some do require pre-registration and a few have a fee for materials—and there are also specialized fee-based Saturday sessions available.

DOWNLOAD the 2010 Hive Sunday Sessions Brochure (pdf)

For questions and more information on Hive workshops
contact Stephanie Smith at stephzsmith@gmail.com with your questions.

Hive Sewing Bee

Oct 24, 2009 from 10am-4pm
Noah Brooks Tavern at Minute Man Nat’l Historic Park
Rte 2A Lincoln/Concord, MA

The Ladies of Refined Taste and Friends in partnership with Minute Man National Historic Park invite you to a Hive Sewing Bee.

Make progress on a sewing project, get help with something you are stuck on, find inspiration to start something new, get a jump on your winter’s sewing  – or just come and visit.

Join us at a Fall Hive Sewing Bee.  People will be there to help with fittings, advice, and moral support. Come join us for fun day with needle and thread.  As always, coffee and tea are available, any treats you want to share are welcome. (Hive attendees bake awesome things!)

Any questions contact Steph Smith at stephzsmith@gmail.com

Noah Brooks Tavern is located on 2A West just before it splits.  The tavern is on the left, it’s the building with the fields where you often see the oxen and Scottish Highlanders.  Parking is in the back of the building.