old salem

The family took a trip over to Old Salem this past Friday. The town was founded in 1776 by Moravians. The buildings have been preserved and costumed staff lead tours and hands-on activities from the 1700s and 1800s. Friday was a homeschool day with lots of fun activities. We had an amazing time. I have been to a lot of historical attractions, but this was quite possibly the best I have ever visited. I was so inspired by the village. I love the simplicity of the building and the trades of the inhabitants. I know I can't do the experience justice here on the blog, but I wanted to share a few photos of our day.

I fell in love with these water buckets. These particular ones were in the home for unmarried men. We also saw some in the tavern, but they were unlabeled.

I told Michael I was going to get buckets for each of us in the family. Especially since the kids loved pumping water. We couldn't keep them away from the pumps!

{George Washington visited the tavern and may have slept in this very room.}

{This is the public room of the tavern. I love the wide plank floors and the grey trim.}

{This is a wall in the doctor's house. In the center is a tool he used to pull teeth. Ouch!}

{We visited the ladies who were dying wool yarns. The colors were so beautiful.}

{The kids had so much fun making paper out of old clothes.}

{Painting the endangered Schweinitz sunflower.}

{Sketching in the fire house.}

It was a great day and I look forward to going back for the Christmas Candlelight tour. Actually there are a lot of events that look worthy of a return visit. Their classes look pretty great, too. If you live near the area, I highly recommend a visit!