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SO WHAT IS LIVING HISTORY? "Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I'm yours" Some people equate “Living History” with costumed role-players portraying life in a different time. Some think that it is only the group of folks who put on uniforms of past wars and have a good time reenacting battles. While the past can not change, history - which is an interpretation of the past - history is always changing. What we call “Living History” is a relatively recent development in the interpretation of history. Within the Association of Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums - of which our Museum is a part - “Living History” is taken to mean just this: the efforts of history museums, historical societies, and other educational organizations is to truly engage the public with the impact of history on their lives today! This is accomplished using historic objects and environs and appropriate recreations to tell the stories of the people who used those objects. In the effort to “contextualize,” some sites may make it difficult to be so exacting, but the effort to bring history to life is evident perhaps in living animals and plants, in staff performing historic work or trades, and in the effort made to provide an environment rich in artifacts that focus attention on life in past times. What To Expect At Our Events Matthews Living History Farm Museum is a 21 acre working farm, circa 1900. We sponsor three seasonal events each year: Spring, Summer and Fall. The activities demonstrated at the farm during each event represent what was common practice in that season here in Grayson County around 1900. The Spring finds us setting the garden and plowing the fields with draft horse teams, or sometimes we are fortunate enough to have oxen teams. In Summer, the garden is in full maturity as are the hay fields. We make hay, once again utilizing draft teams, and sample goodies from the garden. The Fall activities focus on repairs and putting things by as well as a quilt show sponsored by our local Arts Council. Each event features a variety of local artisans demonstrating their crafts and offering their wares for sale, as well as toe tapping local music and good victuals. The barns and livestock are always on view during our May through September week day hours, as are the spring house and workshop. Admission is free. OPEN: MAY 1st - SEPT 30th Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. |
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