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Barrington Plantation State Historic Site Events
January 2023
January 28
10a-4p
What games do you play on a rainy day? Victorian Texans had many imaginative games to entertain themselves without PlayStation’s, Wii’s, TVs, or computers. Play in the past and take home some fun ideas from a world without electronics. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
January 29
10a-4p
What games do you play on a rainy day? Victorian Texans had many imaginative games to entertain themselves without PlayStation’s, Wii’s, TVs, or computers. Play in the past and take home some fun ideas from a world without electronics. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
February 2023
February 4
10a-4p
Enslaved men and women, such as Jerry, Mary, Willis, and Jake, were an integral part of the full story of Barrington. Cooking a hot meal after a hard day of work was a daily routine and typically included their ration of cured pork and cornmeal supplemented with seasonal vegetables from their garden. Come join us as we demonstrate cooking a traditional meal in the style of...
February 5
10a-4p
Enslaved men and women, such as Jerry, Mary, Willis, and Jake, were an integral part of the full story of Barrington. Cooking a hot meal after a hard day of work was a daily routine and typically included their ration of cured pork and cornmeal supplemented with seasonal vegetables from their garden. Come join us as we demonstrate cooking a traditional meal in the style of...
February 11
10a-4p
Essential to good health, common table salt has been prized for hundreds of centuries. Unlike today, salt was not always so readily available, and colonists and pioneers depended on imports from across the seas. Historically, salt was an integral part of many civilizations. Come to the kitchen and help make brines for food preservation and mordants, examine colorful varieties...
February 12
10a-4p
Essential to good health, common table salt has been prized for hundreds of centuries. Unlike today, salt was not always so readily available, and colonists and pioneers depended on imports from across the seas. Historically, salt was an integral part of many civilizations. Come to the kitchen and help make brines for food preservation and mordants, examine colorful varieties...
February 18
10a-4p
Dr. Jones noted in his journal in winter of 1847 – “Hired Mr. Bowen… Sent Him with two hands to Cedar Brake to make rails.” With the main crop fields turned fallow, now is the time to repair and restack fencing around the farm. Come help us clear and build up our fences so that they’ll be ready to defend the new crop in spring! Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben.baumgartner@thc....
February 19
10a-4p
Dr. Jones noted in his journal in winter of 1847 – “Hired Mr. Bowen… Sent Him with two hands to Cedar Brake to make rails.” With the main crop fields turned fallow, now is the time to repair and restack fencing around the farm. Come help us clear and build up our fences so that they’ll be ready to defend the new crop in spring! Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben.baumgartner@thc....
February 25
10a-6p
Texas Independence Day Celebration” is an annual two-day living history celebration on Saturday, February 25th from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, February 26th from 10am to 3pm on the 293-acre Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site to celebrate where 59 delegates bravely met in 1836 to make a formal declaration of independence from Mexico in 1836. The admission-free event...
February 26
10a-3p
Texas Independence Day Celebration” is an annual two-day living history celebration on Saturday, February 25th from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, February 26th from 10am to 3pm on the 293-acre Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site to celebrate where 59 delegates bravely met in 1836 to make a formal declaration of independence from Mexico in 1836. The admission-free event...
March 2023
March 4
10a-4p
Enslaved men and women, such as Jerry, Mary, Willis, and Jake, were an integral part of the full story of Barrington. Cooking a hot meal after a hard day of work was a daily routine and typically included their ration of cured pork and cornmeal supplemented with seasonal vegetables from their garden. Come join us as we demonstrate cooking a traditional meal in the style of...
March 5
10a-4p
Enslaved men and women, such as Jerry, Mary, Willis, and Jake, were an integral part of the full story of Barrington. Cooking a hot meal after a hard day of work was a daily routine and typically included their ration of cured pork and cornmeal supplemented with seasonal vegetables from their garden. Come join us as we demonstrate cooking a traditional meal in the style of...
March 11
10a-4p
The Girl’s Own Book (1834) says, “There is no accomplishment of any kind more desirable…than neatness and skill in the use of a needle.” It recommends that children should learn to sew a shirt before the age of twelve! We invite you to learn the basic stitches and start sewing your own pincushion to take home and finish. All supplies will be provided. Ongoing from 10 a.m. - 4p.m...
March 12
10a-4p
The Girl’s Own Book (1834) says, “There is no accomplishment of any kind more desirable…than neatness and skill in the use of a needle.” It recommends that children should learn to sew a shirt before the age of twelve! We invite you to learn the basic stitches and start sewing your own pincushion to take home and finish. All supplies will be provided. Ongoing from 10 a.m. - 4p.m...
March 18
10a-4p
Plowing the land was a quintessential 1850s farming skill! Livestock trained to work, such as horses, mules, and oxen, played a vital role in the operations of early Texas farms. Whether it was pulling plows, harrowing fields, hauling cotton, or cultivating corn, beasts of burden made light work of sometimes daunting tasks. Join Barrington Plantation and the Texas Draft Horse...
March 19
10a-4p
Plowing the land was a quintessential 1850s farming skill! Livestock trained to work, such as horses, mules, and oxen, played a vital role in the operations of early Texas farms. Whether it was pulling plows, harrowing fields, hauling cotton, or cultivating corn, beasts of burden made light work of sometimes daunting tasks. Join Barrington Plantation and the Texas Draft Horse...
March 25
10a-4p
Spring has sprung- and there is so much to do! Who has time to be sick? Many families had their own special recipes for a Spring Tonic to boost their immune systems for a jump on their spring chores. Learn how families concocted these remedies from their own herbs and other items in their garden and house. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for...
March 26
10a-4p
Spring has sprung- and there is so much to do! Who has time to be sick? Many families had their own special recipes for a Spring Tonic to boost their immune systems for a jump on their spring chores. Learn how families concocted these remedies from their own herbs and other items in their garden and house. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for...
April 2023
April 1
10a-4p
Enslaved men and women, such as Jerry, Mary, Willis, and Jake, were an integral part of the full story of Barrington. Cooking a hot meal after a hard day of work was a daily routine and typically included their ration of cured pork and cornmeal supplemented with seasonal vegetables from their garden. Come join us as we demonstrate cooking a traditional meal in the style of...
April 2
10a-4p
Enslaved men and women, such as Jerry, Mary, Willis, and Jake, were an integral part of the full story of Barrington. Cooking a hot meal after a hard day of work was a daily routine and typically included their ration of cured pork and cornmeal supplemented with seasonal vegetables from their garden. Come join us as we demonstrate cooking a traditional meal in the style of...
April 8
10a-4p
Dr. Jones was an enthusiastic reader who enjoyed books and poetry. His library contained more than 1,000 books in 1858. Learn about his favorite authors and opinions of their work. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
April 9
10a-4p
Dr. Jones was an enthusiastic reader who enjoyed books and poetry. His library contained more than 1,000 books in 1858. Learn about his favorite authors and opinions of their work. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
April 15
10a-4p
Where did American music styles originate? How is the banjo connected to West Africa? Hear the answers to these questions as well as period musical instruments as you join us in the Quarter to learn the power of music in the 1850s. Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben.baumgartner@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
April 16
10a-4p
Where did American music styles originate? How is the banjo connected to West Africa? Hear the answers to these questions as well as period musical instruments as you join us in the Quarter to learn the power of music in the 1850s. Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben.baumgartner@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
April 22
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.
April 23
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.
April 29
10a-4p
According to one 1850s farming periodical, “Farmer Thrifty” kept a neat and well-maintained farm, while “Squire Slipshod” allowed his barn, tools, and fences to fall into filth and disrepair. Dr. Jones noted in his journal on August 5, 1847, that the enslaved “Cleaned up Barn & Stables.” – following the model of “Farmer Thrifty”. Join us as we tackle the seasonal maintenance...
April 30
10a-4p
According to one 1850s farming periodical, “Farmer Thrifty” kept a neat and well-maintained farm, while “Squire Slipshod” allowed his barn, tools, and fences to fall into filth and disrepair. Dr. Jones noted in his journal on August 5, 1847, that the enslaved “Cleaned up Barn & Stables.” – following the model of “Farmer Thrifty”. Join us as we tackle the seasonal maintenance...
May 2023
May 6
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.
May 7
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.
May 13
10a-4p
Learn what life was like for women in the 1850s! Sewing, cleaning, cooking, and childcare comprise the main elements of the “Domestic Sphere” of nineteenth century women. Areas of responsibility change when explored from the perspective of a mother like Mrs. Jones, or an enslaved woman, like Mary, in the field. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248...
May 14
10a-4p
Learn what life was like for women in the 1850s! Sewing, cleaning, cooking, and childcare comprise the main elements of the “Domestic Sphere” of nineteenth century women. Areas of responsibility change when explored from the perspective of a mother like Mrs. Jones, or an enslaved woman, like Mary, in the field. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248...
May 20
10a-4p
Dr. Jones noted in his journal on May 14, 1850 that those enslaved - “Finished ploughing and hoeing corn first time.” The crops are short and the weeds are tall, it’s time to cultivate! Come help us clear between the rows of our field crops using our single ox and shovel plow! Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben.baumgartner@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information....
May 21
10a-4p
Dr. Jones noted in his journal on May 14, 1850 that those enslaved - “Finished ploughing and hoeing corn first time.” The crops are short and the weeds are tall, it’s time to cultivate! Come help us clear between the rows of our field crops using our single ox and shovel plow! Contact Ben Baumgartner at ben.baumgartner@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information....
May 27
10a-4p
Spring cleaning is a yearly ritual that modern conveniences have obliterated the need to do. Preparing the house for warmer weather, chasing out cobwebs and dirt, scrubbing walls and floors, is much 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 936-878-2214 x248 for more...
May 28
10a-4p
Spring cleaning is a yearly ritual that modern conveniences have obliterated the need to do. Preparing the house for warmer weather, chasing out cobwebs and dirt, scrubbing walls and floors, is much 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 936-878-2214 x248 for more...
June 2023
June 3
10a-4p
We are following the cotton cultivation methods laid out by the period account of Solomon Northup, a free man who was kidnapped from Washington D.C. in 1841, and enslaved near Holmesville, LA, which is about 280 miles from Barrington. In his book, Twelve Years a Slave (1853), Northup described using a plow to cultivate (turn under the weeds) and hand hoes for scraping close to...
June 4
10a-4p
We are following the cotton cultivation methods laid out by the period account of Solomon Northup, a free man who was kidnapped from Washington D.C. in 1841, and enslaved near Holmesville, LA, which is about 280 miles from Barrington. In his book, Twelve Years a Slave (1853), Northup described using a plow to cultivate (turn under the weeds) and hand hoes for scraping close to...
June 10
10a-4p
Preserving food was one of the biggest jobs in the spring and summer for the times of year when food is not as plentiful. Join us while we preserve food from the garden and discuss methods of filling our larder for the future months. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
June 11
10a-4p
Preserving food was one of the biggest jobs in the spring and summer for the times of year when food is not as plentiful. Join us while we preserve food from the garden and discuss methods of filling our larder for the future months. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
June 17
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 1850s method for taking wild...
June 18
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 1850s method for taking wild...
June 25
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 we 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 for more information....
June 26
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 we 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 for more information....
July 2023
July 1
10a-4p
We’re cooking desserts and discussing picnics and entertainment Dr. Jones might have seen around the 4th of July holiday. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
July 2
10a-4p
We’re cooking desserts and discussing picnics and entertainment Dr. Jones might have seen around the 4th of July holiday. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
July 8
10a-4p
Dr. Jones penned in his journal on July 13, 1854, that those enslaved– “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 to them as needed to supplement foraging. Come pull and make “hands” (bunches) of fodder from our corn crop! Contact Ben...
July 9
10a-4p
Dr. Jones penned in his journal on July 13, 1854, that those enslaved– “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 to them as needed to supplement foraging. Come pull and make “hands” (bunches) of fodder from our corn crop! Contact Ben...
July 15
10a-4p
Wear some old clothes and help us paint the house fence and kitchen interior with whitewash. A traditional part of spring cleaning increases the life of the buildings and fences. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
July 16
10a-4p
Wear some old clothes and help us paint the house fence and kitchen interior with whitewash. A traditional part of spring cleaning increases the life of the buildings and fences. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
July 22
10a-4p
According to one 1850s farming periodical, “Farmer Thrifty” kept a neat and well-maintained farm, while “Squire Slipshod” allowed his barn, tools, and fences to fall into filth and disrepair. Dr. Jones noted in his journal on August 5, 1847, that the enslaved “Cleaned up Barn & Stables.” – following the model of “Farmer Thrifty”. Join us as we tackle the seasonal maintenance...
July 23
10a-4p
According to one 1850s farming periodical, “Farmer Thrifty” kept a neat and well-maintained farm, while “Squire Slipshod” allowed his barn, tools, and fences to fall into filth and disrepair. Dr. Jones noted in his journal on August 5, 1847, that the enslaved “Cleaned up Barn & Stables.” – following the model of “Farmer Thrifty”. Join us as we tackle the seasonal maintenance...
July 29
10a-4p
Fancy learning 1850s style? You can mind your manners and your ABCs 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 30
10a-4p
Fancy learning 1850s style? You can mind your manners and your ABCs 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 2023
August 5
10a-4p
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 finish out the day strong...
August 6
10a-4p
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 finish out the day strong...
August 12
10a-4p
There are 1,774 miles between Anson Jones’ hometown in Great Barrington, Massachusetts and where he lived in Washington, Texas. How did he get there? Long distance travelers in 19th century America have quite a commute! Stop by the house and see how folks like Dr. Jones embarked on their travels through Texas. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248...
August 13
10a-4p
There are 1,774 miles between Anson Jones’ hometown in Great Barrington, Massachusetts and where he lived in Washington, Texas. How did he get there? Long distance travelers in 19th century America have quite a commute! Stop by the house and see how folks like Dr. Jones embarked on their travels through Texas. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248...
August 19
10a-4p
According to one 1850s farming periodical, “Farmer Thrifty” kept a neat and well-maintained farm, while “Squire Slipshod” allowed his barn, tools, and fences to fall into filth and disrepair. Dr. Jones noted in his journal on August 5, 1847, that the enslaved “Cleaned up Barn & Stables.” – following the model of “Farmer Thrifty”. Join us as we tackle the seasonal maintenance...
August 20
10a-4p
According to one 1850s farming periodical, “Farmer Thrifty” kept a neat and well-maintained farm, while “Squire Slipshod” allowed his barn, tools, and fences to fall into filth and disrepair. Dr. Jones noted in his journal on August 5, 1847, that the enslaved “Cleaned up Barn & Stables.” – following the model of “Farmer Thrifty”. Join us as we tackle the seasonal maintenance...
August 26
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 details for their reader. Learn how to send a letter in 1850 and try writing with a pen and ink. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
August 27
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 details for their reader. Learn how to send a letter in 1850 and try writing with a pen and ink. Contact Barb King at barbara.king@thc.texas.gov or 936-878-2214 x248 for more information.
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