Harvest to Hearth: Thanksgiving in 1840s Waterford

On Saturday, November 7, the Dirty Blue Shirts living historians return to Jordan Park Green to the Waterford Historical Society's historic buildings for a celebration with a strong focus on the Thanksgiving holiday: What that meant for our mid-19th-century Waterford ancestors: food, family, gratitude for what they had, remembering those who were gone, charity for those who had less.

The event is family friendly, free and open to the public. Donations to the Waterford Historical Society are always welcome. Also, in the true spirit of Thanksgiving, visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Waterford Community Food Bank.

Perfect for families, for young and old alike. Features of the day:

• Stroll the grounds and enter historic buildings to learn about what life in Waterford was like "way back then."
• Savor the smells of hearth cooking in the Beebe-Phillips House – will it be roast chicken and corn bread?
• Sit on the hand-hewed benches at the Jordan District Schoolhouse and imagine what school was like in 1840 – can you pass the test?
• In Stacy Barn, look at the farming equipment from Waterford's agricultural past and marvel. If it was needed for a task, the blacksmith created it. No artificial intelligence, just pure human ingenuity!  
• Up the hill, take a turn to crank the antique cider press in Stacy Barn. Are you strong enough?
• Then taste fresh cider from a local farm and give thanks for such simple, pure refreshment. (No caffeine!)
• Observe the master blacksmith from Mystic Seaport, known for his perfect harpoon replicas, at the popular Ralph Madara Blacksmith Shop. You’ll also find hand-forged items (perfect for gift-giving) for sale.
• 
  

Prints of Waterford scenes and publications like "The Granite History of Waterford” will be offered, with proceeds to benefit the Waterford Historical Society.

There is ample free and handicapped parking at the Avery Lane/Rope Ferry Road parking lot and the nearby Waterford Public Library and a short walk from the Waterford Community Center across the street.