Barrington Plantation State Historic Site Events
May 2022
May 29
May 28th & 29th, 10a – 4p:
The garden kept by those enslaved at Barrington provided diversity to an otherwise bland diet, and more importantly filled the gaps in nutrition. Join us as explore the heirloom varieties growing in the garden in the Quarter, and take home a few seeds to start your own garden! Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben.baumgartner@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248...
June 2022
June 4
Jun. 4th & 5th, 10a – 4p:
Spring cleaning was a yearly ritual that has been obliterated by modern conveniences. Preparing the house for warmer weather, chasing out cobwebs and dirt, scrubbing walls and floors, is far more laborious than cleaning today. Help wash windows, beat rugs, and wash and wax furniture as needed. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-...
June 5
Jun. 4th & 5th, 10a – 4p:
Spring cleaning was a yearly ritual that has been obliterated by modern conveniences. Preparing the house for warmer weather, chasing out cobwebs and dirt, scrubbing walls and floors, is far more laborious than cleaning today. Help wash windows, beat rugs, and wash and wax furniture as needed. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-...
June 11
Jun. 11th & 12th, 10a – 4p:
Dr. Jones noted in his journal on July 19, 1846 – “Ripe peaches from my Orchard at Barrington.” Caring for an orchard takes skill and patience, but it can be highly rewarding! Come help us haul water and cultivate the orchard as you learn about heirloom trees and fruit growing in the 19th century! Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben.baumgartner@thc.texas....
June 12
Jun. 11th & 12th, 10a – 4p:
Dr. Jones noted in his journal on July 19, 1846 – “Ripe peaches from my Orchard at Barrington.” Caring for an orchard takes skill and patience, but it can be highly rewarding! Come help us haul water and cultivate the orchard as you learn about heirloom trees and fruit growing in the 19th century! Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben.baumgartner@thc.texas....
June 18
Jun. 18th & 19th, 10a – 4p:
Though purchased at the price of others’ freedom, Dr. Anson Jones and his sons enjoyed a variety of gentlemanly pursuits in their leisure time, including card playing, hunting, and fishing. Join the world of the Jones men and try your luck at cards while sitting in the cool of the dogtrot of the house, or head to the field for a demonstration of the ...
June 19
Jun. 18th & 19th, 10a – 4p:
Though purchased at the price of others’ freedom, Dr. Anson Jones and his sons enjoyed a variety of gentlemanly pursuits in their leisure time, including card playing, hunting, and fishing. Join the world of the Jones men and try your luck at cards while sitting in the cool of the dogtrot of the house, or head to the field for a demonstration of the ...
June 26
Jun. 26th, 10a - 4p:
Keeping gardens weeded, watered, and in good order was considered part of a woman’s daily duty. It contributed to a varied diet and survival in 1850. Lend a hand to help water, plant, or weed as necessary to help our gardens get ready for summer. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
July 2022
July 2
Jul. 2nd & 3rd, 10a – 4p:
We are getting ready for the 4th so we’ll be making some period desserts and talking about picnics like ones Dr. Jones might have attended. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
July 3
Jul. 2nd & 3rd, 10a – 4p:
We are getting ready for the 4th so we’ll be making some period desserts and talking about picnics like ones Dr. Jones might have attended. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
July 9
July 9th & 10th, 10a – 4p:
Dr. Jones penned in his journal on July 13, 1854 – “Commenced taking corn blade fodder.” Although very few ears of corn were used to feed livestock, the dried leaves of the corn plants made excellent hay (fodder) that could be fed out to them as needed to supplement foraging. Come pull and make “hands” (bunches) of fodder from our corn crop! Contact Ben...
July 10
July 9th & 10th, 10a – 4p:
Dr. Jones penned in his journal on July 13, 1854 – “Commenced taking corn blade fodder.” Although very few ears of corn were used to feed livestock, the dried leaves of the corn plants made excellent hay (fodder) that could be fed out to them as needed to supplement foraging. Come pull and make “hands” (bunches) of fodder from our corn crop! Contact Ben...
July 16
Jul. 16th & 17th, 10a-4p:
Wear some old clothes and help us paint the fence and kitchen interior with whitewash. A traditional part of yearly cleaning it keeps the Plantation looking nice and tidy. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
July 17
Jul. 16th & 17th, 10a-4p:
Wear some old clothes and help us paint the fence and kitchen interior with whitewash. A traditional part of yearly cleaning it keeps the Plantation looking nice and tidy. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
July 23
Jul. 23rd & 24th, 10a – 4p:
Though free time for those enslaved at Barrington was typically limited to Sundays and occasional holidays, time off provided an opportunity to rest and enjoy a variety of games, music, and entertainment. Come learn how Jerry, Mary, or Willis might have spent their time off. Make and take a clay marble home with you! Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben....
July 24
Jul. 23rd & 24th, 10a – 4p:
Though free time for those enslaved at Barrington was typically limited to Sundays and occasional holidays, time off provided an opportunity to rest and enjoy a variety of games, music, and entertainment. Come learn how Jerry, Mary, or Willis might have spent their time off. Make and take a clay marble home with you! Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben....
July 30
Jul. 30th & 31st, 10a - 4p:
Fancy learning 1850’s style? You can mind your manners and your ABC’s for a period school lesson at the Jones’ home while getting ready to head back for your upcoming school year! Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
July 31
Jul. 30th & 31st, 10a - 4p:
Fancy learning 1850’s style? You can mind your manners and your ABC’s for a period school lesson at the Jones’ home while getting ready to head back for your upcoming school year! Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
August 2022
August 6
Aug. 6th & 7th, 11a – 2p:
Taking a break, or “nooning,” in the heat of the day would help both enslaved and free 19th century farmers renew their energy on a long day in the blazing Texas sun! A little rest, food, water, and shade goes a long way. Pack a lunch and join us under the cottonwood trees by the crop fields as we take a break from our labors and recover so that we can...
August 7
Aug. 6th & 7th, 11a – 2p:
Taking a break, or “nooning,” in the heat of the day would help both enslaved and free 19th century farmers renew their energy on a long day in the blazing Texas sun! A little rest, food, water, and shade goes a long way. Pack a lunch and join us under the cottonwood trees by the crop fields as we take a break from our labors and recover so that we can...
August 13
Aug. 13th & 14th, 10a – 4p:
Come stay cool with us in the heat of summer and discover what early Texans did to stay cool. Without modern A.C. you might be surprised at how comfortable you can be in a Texas summer. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
August 14
Aug. 13th & 14th, 10a – 4p:
Come stay cool with us in the heat of summer and discover what early Texans did to stay cool. Without modern A.C. you might be surprised at how comfortable you can be in a Texas summer. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
August 20
Aug. 20st & 21st, 10a – 4p:
Dr. Jones noted in his journal on Aug. 4, 1847 - “Thrashed out rye”. Now that our grain crop has been harvested, it’s time to thresh and winnow it to separate seed from stalk. Come help us make our harvest ready to be ground into flour! Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben.baumgartner@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
August 21
Aug. 20st & 21st, 10a – 4p:
Dr. Jones noted in his journal on Aug. 4, 1847 - “Thrashed out rye”. Now that our grain crop has been harvested, it’s time to thresh and winnow it to separate seed from stalk. Come help us make our harvest ready to be ground into flour! Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben.baumgartner@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
August 27
Aug. 27th & 28th, 10a – 4p:
Why is it important to know how to write a letter? Diaries, journals, and correspondence all contain the voice of their authors and important details for their reader. Learn how to send a letter in 1850 and try writing with pen and ink. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
August 28
Aug. 27th & 28th, 10a – 4p:
Why is it important to know how to write a letter? Diaries, journals, and correspondence all contain the voice of their authors and important details for their reader. Learn how to send a letter in 1850 and try writing with pen and ink. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.