Staunton’s Frontier Culture Museum ‘Pay What You Will’ on Memorial Day
On Memorial Day Monday, May 29, the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton will celebrate May Fair and, best of all, it will be a “Pay What You Will Day” so you decide how much to pay for admission: pay a little, pay a lot, or pay nothing at all.
During the 16 years that we educated our children at home, our one-income family lived on a tight budget and often could not take in all the historical sites we wanted to see so a “pay what you will” admission is helpful for families who are in the same place.
If you have never experienced the Frontier Culture Museum, or if you’ve been multiple times throughout the years, Monday will be a great time to join in the fun, enjoy hands-on history, explore the early days of 1600s England, 1700s Ireland, 1700s Germany, pioneer America, and 1700s West Africa. Interact with on-site historical interpreters dressed as the country they represent as they go about the daily tasks of the time — cooking, spinning, basket weaving, gardening, and other chores common to the time period.
Stroll the trail between the Old Country and pioneer Early America. Linger at the forge in Ireland and watch the smithy at work. Pause to talk with the animals — sheep, cattle, pigs, chickens. Explore the Indian village. Stop by the rustic 1740s log cabin, then discover how early American housing advanced with the 1820s and 1850s American farm houses. Peek inside the school house.
Bring the entire family from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm to experience the living history, enjoy lunch on the Museum’s Pavilion with live musical entertainment, and visit the Artisan Vendor Fair in the Courtyard throughout the day.
ARTISAN FAIR: (9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Shop the artisan craft booths located in the Museum’s newly expanded courtyard throughout the entire day. Visit the caricaturist, face painter, and ballon twister too!
FOOD VENDORS: (9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Area food vendors will be on hand beginning at 9:00 am.
LIVING HISTORY ACTIVITIES:
Old World Exhibits: (9:00 – Noon)
- West Africa: Drum and Dance/Gardening
- England: Green Woodworking/Herbals in the Garden
- Ireland: Natural Dyeing/Spinning
- Germany: Games/Gardening
.
- Lunch: (Noon – 2:00)
- Pavilion: Take a lunch break under our covered pavilion or at the picnic tables
America Exhibits: (2:00 – 5:00)
- Ganatastwi: Clay cooking pot construction/ Fire Starting
- 1740’s Settlement: Court Days and Militia Drill
- 1820’s American Farm: Bread oven baking/Doll making
- 1850’s American Farm: Basketmaking
