In July and August, visitors can enjoy the new program "Colonial Colors: Fun with Paint and Dye," an exploration of the rich and vibrant colors and hues found in everyday colonial New England life. This program will look at how fabric dyes were made from local plants, as well as imported dye stuffs. Visitors can learn how people colored their houses with paint ground from natural pigments and mixed it with natural materials such as linseed oil or even milk! Historic houses and the Flynt Center of Early New England Life will be open for visitors to see ways in which people made their interiors stand out with color. Visitors can also create their own colors using natural materials and methods, and make a project to take home.  Included with general admission.
 

 

July 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31

 

During the hot summer months, come learn how people in early New England kept cool, and preserved summer produce.  Our open hearth cooks will demonstrate how to make cooling beverages including lemonade and switchel (a drink made with molasses, ginger, sugar and water).  See how people preserved summer vegetables like cucumbers or beets.  See what's growing when you visit the Cooks' Garden dedicated in memory of Margaret Quinn Orloske.  Included with general admission.