Children’s Day on the Farm: Art, Mystery and Occupation

Children’s Day on the Farm: Art, Mystery and Occupation explores the many ways children were educated and learned beyond the traditional schoolroom, from the barnyard and trade shop to the hearth and home. This immersive, family-friendly event invites visitors to experience hands-on demonstrations and activities highlighting the arts, mysteries, and occupations that teach children about their world from the American Revolution through the 1800s.

The theme of arts, mysteries and occupations comes from an 1828 definition of apprentice in Noah Webster’s “American Dictionary of the English Language” as “One who is bound by covenant to serve a mechanic, or other person, for a certain time, with a view to learn his art, mystery, or occupation, in which his master is bound to instruct him.”

The arts activities include cooking and candle dipping, the Mysteries involve meeting Naturalist Dr. Steve Fields and playing with toys and games from old, and Occupations cover quill pen writing, blacksmithing, dressmaking, and heritage breed animals and their care. Guided site tours will take place at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Participants can also collect stamps from each activity station to fill a historic-style passport—included with admission—creating a personalized keepsake of their journey through the past.

Pre-registration is encouraged. Purchase tickets