Experiential Education
Education, at its best, is often fun, experiential, and memorable.
Reliving History, Inc. was organized for educational purposes: To help individuals of all ages better understand the setting and factors that existed during the pre-1800s in the area that today is Jefferson County, WV.
Reliving History, Inc. was organized for educational purposes and is approved accordingly by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, charitable, non-profit organization. Delivery methods to be used for educating include: - Events at the circa 1751 Peter Burr House
- Colonial life programs that can be delivered into the community upon request (Contact us to arrange a presentation.)
- Networking with other local organizations interested in working together to help paint the colorful backdrop that can provide context for all period settings. Such backdrop can support education, tourism, and preservation so historic sites can take their rightful places in the larger picture. (Contact us if you have interest in helping to build a well-functioning network of local organizations interested in developing more cohesive understanding of the pre-1800 period in and around Jefferson County, WV)
Note: "Games, Fun Facts, and Educational Resources" can be found at the bottom of this page.
Experience History
The Peter Burr House can play
an important role today in helping participants better understand and continually remember our early roots. The following are images of recent activities conducted on-site at the property.
When you arrive at the Peter Burr House, you will set foot on property that was granted to Peter Burr by Lord Fairfax in early summer 1751. Two Peter Burrs were in the area: a father and his oldest son. While we know the father was in the area as early as 1748 and possibly by 1747, it is unknown exactly when he began building the house or if the son was here as early. Until 1754, historic references to Peter Burr are assumed to refer to the father. By 1755, local documents referring to Peter Burr, refer to the son, who was by then 26 years old, married, and beginning his new family.
We reason that construction on the house began about the time the father received his grants, but we also know that many early settlers began building prior to finalizing grants. We know that the tallest section of the house was completed by 1754 when the father sold the other land grant and returned to Fairfield, CT most likely taking with him the carpentry tools of his trade. We know that the son grew wheat, flax, and tobacco on this farm and that some produce was provided to the continental army and also sold John Augustine Washington at Prospect Hills in the 1770s. There are reasons to believe Peter Burr was patriotic and the 13-star flag reflecting American independence would certainly be an appropriate sight to see on this property.
On site at the Peter Burr House, you could run into one of our junior docents. These young people spend a lot of time with us and help us deliver the programming. In return, they also get to learn numerous skills and wear period correct clothing.
Below are Genevieve Rochefort, Laurel Schwartz, Claire Mason and her sister, Daisy.
Below, meet Laurel Schwartz, a Jefferson County 7th grader. Laurel can teach participants how to make pomander balls and corn husk dolls. She can teach how to play a number of 18th century games, and she can play Virginia reels on her violin.
Also, you might run into Genevieve, Daisy, or Claire. In this photo, Genevieve is helping a young visitor figure out how to do a rope trick like the ones that were popular in the 18th century for their development of analytical skills.
Laurel and Genevieve work with two visitors to the property. They can relate to young and old in special ways that adults often cannot.
Note: We are willing to train Junior Docents (age 10-17) but require the participation of a parent or adult sponsor who will become actively involved with what the child is learning. We also have some younger Junior Docents-in-waiting, who are valued for their ability to add atmosphere and context to our setting.
Programming and Planned Events
(Note: John Allen's new book, Uncommon Vernacular: Early Houses of Jefferson County, West Virginia, 1735-1835 is due to be published August, 2011 by West Virginia University Press. Contact John Allen for pre-orders.)
Decorating the property is part of the 18th century experience. Early settlers cared about the appearance of their homes and often used herbs and other natural materials for various purposes including for air fresheners, insect repellents, as well as for their rustic beauty. They used elements of nature and materials that were available to them, and they wasted nothing.
Here Thelma Parivar from California gathers cat tails to decorate the Peter Burr House in a manner similar to ways it would have been decorated 250 years ago.
Thelma did well; that looks very nice.
Above: Notice the chair rails around the walls? This feature is
original and it reflects the New England Puritan culture from which Peter Burr
came.Other features that reflect Peter Burr's heritage and New
England Puritan culture include the hand-beaded ceiling beams that can
be seen vaguely in the photo above John Allen. These and other fine
evidences of craftsmanship are embedded in the original house.
A puzzling question has existed for some time: "Why would Peter Burr go to the trouble to put such fine details in a house built in such a wilderness area of that day?" The answer is in the culture. Puritan work ethics were not about being showy but about excellence in whatever the hand found to do. This house is unique from any other house built during the time in the local area. Peter Burr also was unique, coming to the area from New England, unlike most of the early immigrants who came primarily from other religions and cultures particularly from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the Tidewater area of the Virginia Colony. The detailed craftsmanship may explain one of the reasons this totally wood-frame structure has survived when others fell down years ago. And the Puritan values that are also woven just as intricately in and through the founding values of our country, may also be reasons our nation has survived the many winds that have blown by. The Peter Burr House reflects some important values that make it a truly rare treasure in our local area.
So, back now to decorations and elements that make the house and our lives pretty.
Pumpkins and other gourds were abundant in the local are. On this website, you can see pumpkins as they look when they float. Who knows how it is that big heavy pumpkins can actually float? To see this image, check out our Tourism page and the Time Line page for the entry for Oct. 1753 when pumpkins were recorded to have washed out of Native American gardens upriver on the Potomac River.
Native Americans taught early settlers to plant corn in hills with pumpkins (or squash) and beans. The combination of three plants grown together was called "three sisters."
(Note: Carving pumpkins into Jack-o-lanterns did not come about until the 1800s. Instead, colonial children carved turnips.)
Below: Notice the built-in heating area in the fire place. That was used for keeping food warm or for baking items that needed slow or minimum heat. Also notice the metal pipes leaning against the back of the fireplace. This crane was normally attached inside the fireplace so an arm could swing forward or backward in order for hanging pots and kettles to be adjusted over the fire while cooking at the hearth.
The fireplace below has been partially closed off. It shared the same chimney as the one it backs up to. The chimney is the large one that is visible in the tallest section of the house. The chimney was massive and provided heat for the two rooms upstairs.
The third fireplace is located in the log (shorter) section of the house.
Fireplaces in the 18th century would have had fires going
year round for cooking and boiling hot water for multiple uses. They did
not have hot water heaters, so think about the different ways we currently use
hot water and add to that many more ways heat, water, or fire were needed in early life in normal homes where appliances and modern conveniences were not even thought or dreamed of.
Question: What do big boys do when little boys aren't around?
Answer: They build bigger toys!
The Lincoln Log house was created to be like a big version of traditional Lincoln Logs. The house can be constructed and taken down easily for interpretive purposes. Children and adults can get an idea not only of the steps in preparing the materials for building, but also they can learn the roles of different people while early homes were being constructed.
The Lincoln Log house (which can largely be assembled by children) was a collaborative effort between the Peter Burr House Bread Bakers and Harpers Ferry Middle School. The house is used at both settings and can be used for interpretive events.
The two-story log barn is not old.
The barn was made to look like a barn from the 18th century. It is currently being cleaned out and renovated for workshop and activity space. This will increase programming and provide sheltered space during inclement weather. Unlike the historic house, the barn has electricity inside so heating and lighting can be available during cold or overcast/dark periods.
Many spaces on the property are currently being cleaned out and the facilities are becoming better able to accommodate community use. The wagon above is not period correct but it adds an interesting atmosphere for now until it finds another home.
Inside the barn, we are now conducting workshops. Here we have two Junior Docents (Claire and Genevieve) making corn husk dolls.
And apparently we have several Junior Docents-in-waiting who are dressed in 18th century clothing but indulging in 21st century chips. Peter Burr had 13 children, so this casual setting (except for the chips) remains consistent with the 18th century environment. And the footless shoe on the floor (unplanned) reminds us that farm children probably ran barefooted a lot. 
Here Laurel helps Genevieve and Claire make pomander balls from apples and oranges. Pomander balls were used for the nice seasonal smells they added to the winter atmosphere.
After one workshop, we end up with ball and cup toys hand made and brightly painted to sell for raising funds for the historic property. (While the early settlers used stains made from natural substances, we used water-based paints diluted for quicker results.) A number of different popular colonial toys are available for sale at the Peter Burr House. All have been made locally using available materials as the early settlers would made them.
Fourth Grade students from Jefferson County Schools visit the Peter Burr House each year as an annual field trip. The image below is of some of the students visiting in May 2010.
Bread baking is done periodically in the brick oven that was constructed according to documented plans for how brick ovens were built in colonial days. Wayne Braunstein (below) is in charge of the bread baking, following in the accomplished footsteps of Dr. Bill Theriault, who started the program. Funds raised in 2009 & 2010 by the bread bakers went to the archaeology program at the Peter Burr House.
(People interested in becoming a regular volunteer for bread baking or who want to help with the archaeology program should contact us for more information.)
Volunteer Geoff Orr demonstrates his mastery of the black powder (also known as a flint lock) rifle.
And one can never tell when General George Washington might wander by. He was known to cut through Peter Burr's property on his way up and down Warm Springs Road as he traveled to and from his famous baths.
Charles Boland, an accomplished 18th century joiner (one of those occupations that have faded into memory) demonstrates how fine carpentry was done in the mid 1700s. (Charles, a juried artist/craftsman, specializes in very authentic-looking reproduction Windsor Chairs and can be reached through his website: Storybook Joinery). He is working with us to help get the Peter Burr House partially furnished with period-correct furniture.
Then the joiner allows participant (June Ellis from Michigan, a descendant of Peter Burr) to try her hand with the period tools.
A volunteer (Mary Orr) demonstrates how to churn Butter.
Children then try their hand at churning the butter.
Does anyone recognize this local top executive who helps to keep the butter churning? (Much thanks to Nelson Parkinson, General Manager of the Holiday Inn Express in Ranson for the many ways he has helped us.)
Our junior docents (in red period cloaks, which were very popular among descendants of early Puritan settlers) help others learn how to play colonial games.
Both young and old try the age-old skill of rolling a hoop.
Ball and Cup was one of the most popular 18th century toys. We hope to develop a ball and cup competition and then teach participants of all ages to become experts in the skill. Shell Coller from Annapolis, MD seems to have mastered the skill.
Uh Oh - A ball and cup enthusiasts hiding in the barn. Just come on out Bob Ellis (from Michigan) and play with the rest of us kids.
Another of the more popular 18th century toys was called
by many names. When shells, clay, or wood were used to make them, they were called
whirligigs. After someone started cutting notches into the edges, the
toy became known as a buzzsaw (because of the noise it made). The buzzsaw, dipped in water, was a lot of fun when spun and as the water droplets sprayed randomly everywhere. This toy was
especially fun for boys who liked getting the strings of the spinning
toy hung in little girl's hair. By the 19th century, when buttons with holes
began to replace those with shanks, the toy became known as button on a string.
Whatever we call it, the toy below was especially enjoyable even into the early 20th century and
continues to hold people's attention as you can see below.
And the whirligig also brings nostalgic smiles to older people who remember back to earlier days when they played with these toys.
What about Graces?
Above, our junior docents are
demonstrating how to play the game of graces. Graces is NOT period
correct for the 18th century, but it was no doubt played on this property a few years later. The game came into popularity about the 1830s and was an exceptionally
popular game. For this reason we bring it out occasionally. The game was
for girls and helped them to learn the important skill of gracefulness. The game was not for boys but young gentlemen could join in with young ladies playing the game. It
may not have been intended for boy's play for the same reason we've
discovered. Rather than learning gracefulness, boys enjoy seeing how far
up into the tree limbs they can get the beribboned rings stuck.
It appears that George Washington is now having a conversation with Dr. Deborah Rochefort who is
demonstrating 18th century spinning. How realistic is it to have George Washington on
the Burr property? We have several indicators that as a young man, Washington cut through the
property as he traveled on Warm Springs Road and would have been on the land in his late teens as he was doing at
least one of his land surveys. Peter Burr is documented as having had business interactions with two of George Washington's brothers Charles and John Augustine. The Burr family and Washington family represented two different classes (gentry and yeoman farmer respectively) that would not have interacted socially, but George Washington (especially in his younger years) as well as his brothers were aware of the property and may easily have been there at different times and for different reasons.
Dr. Rochefort is one of our best resources on 18th century life skills.
Apparently a number of people found her spinning demonstration to be
interesting.
"Stay AWAY from the train tracks!"
One
of our challenges is putting up with the noise from the trains that go
by frequently. We've had to learn to share the property with the more modern times. The railroad did not come through the property until
about 1839, but it is there now. It has altered the property in numerous
ways. For now the important thing is our very important rule: Stay AWAY from the train tracks! It also appears that not
everyone heeds the rule. For this reason, supervision of children is necessary
while on the property. Meanwhile, we are learning to make the best of
our challenges.
Hummm . . . Does this descendant of Peter Burr look like she cares about the rule that says: "Stay away from the train tracks!"?
Information continues to grow that reveals more about who Peter Burr was. He came from a prominent New England family who (in 1635 and 1649) was an original founder of two communities that have become major cities today (Springfield, MA and Fairfield, CT). Peter Burr's uncle was a founder of Princeton University, and his first cousin was a Vice President of the United States. Another cousin was one of the spies in George Washington's Culper Spy Ring that played a key role in winning the Revolutionary War. This branch of Burrs descendended from one of the Puritans who came with John Winthrop's famous fleet in June 1630. Peter Burr's ancestors and numerous cousins participated in a variety of events and played some important roles that are well documented through America's earliest history.
Our plans include further developing the information about Peter Burr's family and culture and creating displays more professional than the one above. Notice in the far right corner a map of the land grants in the general area of both of Peter Burr's land grants (as seen in yellow). This map is of the surrounding land grants including the area west of Harpers Ferry and properties east of Charles Town. By understanding better who these earlier settlers were, we find new ways for painting an accurate and vivid backdrop of the pre-1800s history of the local area. Peter Burr, a yeoman farmer, represents the
salt-of-the-earth average American settler, upon whose shoulders the
settling of our nation rested.
On the front porch of the Peter Burr House, Dr. Rochefort conducts a demonstration about period clothing and the fibers from which they were made. Early settlers often had to grow and process the fibers as well as make and dye their fabrics.
Kristen Marino, our archaeologist, cleans some of the artifacts that were dug up on the property. The tedious cleaning process of the artifacts is near completion and research and cataloging them will soon begin. A small portable display is currently available until remaining artifacts can be classified and a the larger display can be completed.
Apple cider in colonial days was made with a cider press.
And . . . uhhh . . . is George still hanging around?
(We appreciate Jack Brennan, who portrayed George
Washington and also Charity Long and the Charles Town Historic Landmarks
Commission who loaned us their specially-made costume.)
Programs
We can deliver educational programs into the community to:
- School classrooms
- Community organizations and events
- Other participation for educational purposes
Networking
We are painting the colorful backdrop related to pre-1800s history in our area.
- Tourism,
- Education, and
- Preservation
Games, Fun Facts, and Educational Resources
Following
are resources that can be downloaded and used for better understanding
of early history. Some are appropriate for teachers to download,
duplicate and use in class. Permission to duplicate is granted.
Challenges
Fun Quiz: Colonial Arithmetic
– Our ancestors wrestled with currency for purchasing products. They
did not have their own money and used coins and currency from England,
Spain, France, and other countries. They also had their own means of
barter. This one-page worksheet deals with British money: pounds,
shillings, etc and provides an exercise for kids to become more familiar
with the terms and values.
Fun Quiz: Colonial Children’ Name Game
– Names during colonial times were often unusual. Some of these names
reflected characteristics that were valued by the parents who named
their children. The old adage about "What's in a name?" takes on new
meaning as we understand the importance of names to our ancestors.
Fun Quiz: Colonial Times and Children’s Pastimes
– Children worked more than they played, but they were allowed to find
ways to enjoy their work. Nursery Rhymes often contained educational
elements. Tongue Twisters helped them to develop their focus and
language. And riddles helped them to develop thinking skills. All of the
above could be done while children worked.
Talk Like A Colonist & Vocabulary
– Two sections are contained in this document. The first one is linked
to online audio that will allow participants to hear the way colonial
phrases sounded. A longer vocabulary list included many terms that were
used in colonial days. This resource could be useful for writing
assignments.
True or False: Myths Told Often at Historic Sites
– Many myths make great stories but are simply untrue. Why historic
sites continue to tell the myths may be that some hesitate to let go of
the interesting stories they have long believed to be true.
Word Search: Colonial Games – This is more difficult level word search. Answers are shown according to vertical, horizontal, and diagonal entries.
Information About Colonial Life:
18th Century Clothing and How to Wear Them – The Claude Moore Farm in McLean, VA is one of the better living history farms in our area. Their webshit contains a 10-minute video on 18th century clothing worn by the tenant class farm family. While the Peter Burr Farm is of the middling class and would have had a slightly higher class clothing, the pieces would have been the same and would have been worn the same way. This link is to Claude Moore's excellent video.
18th Century Life Skills – The Claude Moore Farm also has a wonderful PowerPoint slide show (50 frames) with excellent images of 18th century farm life.Go to the bottom of the page to launch the slide show.
Colonial Fun Facts – Short document with some interesting facts about life in colonial days.
Colonial Manners – Before George Washington was 16 years old, he transcribed"Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation," a
document written by someone else. The information about expected
manners during the time is both interesting and humorous in some cases.
Crammer and spellings have not been corrected, because grammar and
spelling were subjects still in process during Washington's time.
Horse Speed in MPH
– It helps to understand better about travel in colonial days when we
understand how long it takes horses to go the distance. This document
provides info for determining how long travel may have taken.
How to Shell and Store Black Walnuts
– Black walnuts were abundant in the local area as they are today.
However, very few children today have ever gathered and shelled walnuts
as was typically expected of children in earlier days. This document
provides info for how to shell and store some of the abundant produce
that go to waste in our yards.
Julian vs Gregorian Calendar
– Dates during the colonial period are complicated by the use of two
different calendars. This document explains why dates might show up
printed like this: 1750/1.
Make Your Own Dyes
– Not only did our ancestors make their own fabrics, but also they dyed
them to have varied colors. The same process can be used today, yet
most children are unaware of this skill.
Puritan Beliefs and Culture
– Puritan culture and beliefs are foundational in many of the laws and
traditions embedded in our Constitution. Peter Burr was one of only a
few of the early settlers who settled in today's Jefferson County. His
cultural roots were very consistent with much of the thinking embedded
in the Constitution.
The Role of Children in Colonial Days
– Children learned adult skills early and were expected to assume roles
of responsibility at early ages. This short document provides a glimpse
at the role of children over 200 years ago.
Top 10 Myths about Thanksgiving
– For over 300 years history has described the first Thanksgiving
incorrectly. It is important that we start getting the facts right.
Information about Peter Burr and Family
Age Context for Peter Burr and His Family
– This information is useful in understanding family factors that were
in place during various times in Peter Bur's life. For instance, he is
known to have have furnished supplies for the continental army but he
also was a family man during that time with young children at home and a
new wife.
Artisan Bread Baking at the Peter Burr House
– Photos and info from 2005 as bread baking was taking place in the
outdoor brick oven at the Peter Burr House. Text in red are inserts that
explain a little about the house based on background elements seen in
the photos.
Facts About the Peter Burr House
– Adult Level (Many details are included in this document about the
local history, but the info is too massive and complex for most
children.
Peter Burr’s Estate Inventory
– Useful information for determining items that were available on Peter
Burr's estate. Note that many more personal items are not listed and
were probably given to his heirs before he died. Also of huge importance
is the fact than nothing in his estate indicated ownership of any
slaves. Indicators imply that Peter Burr was anti-slavery and is
believed to have hired his farm workers from among freemen who lived
nearby in Johnstown.
Reading ListsReading List for Juveniles– Contains classics and other books about colonial, revolutionary, and early federal periods in American history.)
Contact us for further information about educational programming.
Note: This page continues to grow. Check back periodically as more is to come.
