We will be exploring traditional skills in these events, including architecture, fiber arts (particularly spinning and weaving), and quilting, with an emphasis on the history of these crafts in Arthurdale, WV.
Each day of our event, Handing Down Our Heritage, will focus on a different craft and its history in Arthurdale. On Tuesday, April 25th, we will explore architecture and do a brief tour around the museum to look at our historic 1930s buildings. Participants will then use what they learn to design their own house. The theme for Thursday, April 27th, is Fiber Arts. We will go through A brief history of spinning from the caveman to 20th Century Appalachia, followed by some hands-on spindle spinning. This event will be 2 hours and is recommended for middle school and up; other events will be only one hour and open to all ages. Our last event on Tuesday, May 2 will focus on quilts. Participants will see and study historic quilts and learn about different patterns. They will then design their own quilt square and practice some stitching. Though the lessons interact with each other, they are also independent of one another, so you can attend just one event or all three!
