“The gardiner is brisk at work. The Peach-Trees are much broken down with the weight of Fruit this Year.” William Penn’s steward James Harrison reported this good news in October Read More
crafts
Confessions of a Costumier: Dressing the Tradespeople
Following our 17th-century Fashion Show last spring, I posted an article highlighting the Laborers and their clothing – next up are the Servants & Tradespeople! These men and women did not Read More
The Country Life: Growing our Clothes
As the summer heat drags on, we turn our focus to an important crop we’ve been growing in the Kitchen Garden: flax. This reed-like plant has been used for thousands Read More
William’s World: Men of Metal and Mettle
Back in May, we posted an article on the Joyner’s Trade. Now our intern Ray is exploring the blacksmithing tradition at Pennsbury and wants to share what he’s found! A Read More
Confessions of a Costumier: Dressing the Laborers
About a month has passed since our 17th-Century Fashion Show, and we had such an amazing time! A HUGE thank-you goes out to our lovely volunteer models (L-R) Mike Thomforde, Read More
William’s World: Why Don’t You Joyn Us?
This post was written by Steve Samuel, a new volunteer interpreter in the Pennsbury Manor Joyner’s Shop! He thought many people, like himself, wouldn’t know the difference between a Joyner and all the Read More
Living the Life of a 17th-Century Farmer
Last weekend, during our annual spring Interpreter training, I shared an amazing BBC mini-series on 17th-century farm life, and I wanted to make sure everyone else got to hear about it Read More
Exploring the Artifacts: Take Your Mattress and Stuff It!
Those of you that have walked the grounds of Pennsbury may have seen a building called The Worker’s Cottage. This reconstructed outbuilding’s original purpose or even existence is unknown, but Read More
Confessions of a Costumier: Clothing Diversity
It is so easy to get caught up in creating the ULTIMATE historical ensemble. We worry about perfecting every detail, down to the smallest buttons and buckles. When costumiers get so caught Read More
“It’s made of WHAT?”: Making 17th-Century Soap
Back in August, recently retired volunteer Penny held a workshop to talk about her favorite hobby: making soap! Penny has been a volunteer at Pennsbury Manor since 1982 – wow! She Read More
