Living History & Maker Programs for Museums & Organizations

to book one of these programs please email me here.

History, Art & Craft Programs that Explore Everyday Local Life

Victorian Puzzle Purse

Participants learn how to make a 19th century puzzle purse, an origami-inspired paper craft folded to create many layered sections that when sealed, conceal what’s inside and when unfolded  reveal to the recipient a secret message, a cherished poem or tell a delightful story. Historically a puzzle purse may have been gifted on Valentine’s Day and dates back to the 1700’s with popularity in the mid-late 19th century. 

Block-Print on Fabric

Cotton printed fabrics were extremely popular in the 18th and 19th centuries with many imported from India featuring wooden block-printed floral designs. In this workshop, participants carve a soft linoleum surface using stencils and carving tools. Once the blocks are carved, we will print 1 yard of cotton fabric with our designs using a brayer and fabric ink.

Making Maple Candy

Visitors or participants can learn about maple sugaring in the 18th & 19th centuries in rural New England as well as the principles of making syrup, sugar and a more modern treat: maple candy! 

Living History Demonstration: Treadle Sewing Machine 

Dressed in early 20th century clothing as my great-grandmother Fiorina Caluori, I demonstrate sewing on a 1911 treadle sewing machine, likely the same style machine used in my great-grandfather’s tailoring shop and in urban garment factories when they arrived in the United States. Demonstration includes a sample of different items that may have been sewn on the machine, operation of the machine, as well as a brief history of its invention and the garment industry and labor unions during the Great War period.  

The Story of Anna Bingham: An 18th Century Woman of Grit & Gumption

Drawing from primary materials at the Stockbridge Museum & Archives and previous scholarship, this talk weaves together and explores the fascinating and dramatic life of Berkshire County tavern and innkeeper, Anna Bingham. Anna operated a tavern in Stockbridge, MA for approximately 13 years after the death of her second husband in 1781 and lived an independent and resourceful life in Western Massachusetts.  The presentation revisits aspects of Anna’s life in Tyringham, Great Barrington, Stockbridge and Northampton.