Historic Demonstrations at the Durst-Taylor House in Nacogdoches

If you like taking a trip back in history without all the hassle of a time machine, then Nacogdoches Historic Sites has a great afternoon planned for you.

They are inviting the community to journey back to the mid-1800s at the Historical Skills Fair, happening on Saturday, November 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will take place at the Durst-Taylor Historic House & Gardens, offering visitors a hands-on glimpse into life on a 19th-century farmstead.

Featured Demonstrations include:

● Blacksmithing: Witness a skilled blacksmith at work as they forge metal into functional tools and items, highlighting the craftsmanship of the time.

● Sugar-Cane Mill: Learn about the traditional process of milling sugar cane and its role in 19th-century agriculture.

● Live Fiddle Music with El Camino de Nacogdoches: Enjoy the lively sounds of period fiddle music, offering a window into the musical traditions central to farmstead gatherings.

● Knitting: Observe the intricate craft of knitting, an essential skill for clothing production and household warmth.

● Cotton Spinning: Watch how cotton is transformed into thread using a spinning wheel, a vital process in early textile production.

● Food preservation: Visitors will be able to sample jelly made from Spanish plums harvested and preserved by the Stone Fort Museum.

In addition to these demonstrations, Children and families will have plenty of hands-on activities to enjoy. Historic crafts will be offered inside the barn, allowing kids to create keepsakes inspired by 1800s traditions. Outside, they can engage in various historical games that children commonly played in that era.

For more information about the Historic Skills Fair, visit nactx.us/historicsites or call 936-560-4441.