The 1860s Civilian Celebration in Capon Springs, West Virginia
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FRIDAY, APRIL 30th 

Breakfast, 8:00-9:00am

FRIDAY MORNING ACTIVITIES, 9:30am-Noon
      -Cameos: What They Are, and What to Look For, a class with Melissa Strobel. Cameos have been popular over the centuries, but never more so than in the mid-19th century. Carved by apprentices, journeymen, and masters, cameos each tell a story in shell, lava, glass, ceramic, and so many other materials We will explore the history, materials, manufacture, styles, what to look for when shopping, and the types of cameos most desired by mid-19th century women. Instructor Fee: $20, Materials Cost $10.00
     -Machine Hand Embroidery in Ready-to-Wear and Piece Goods During the 1860s, a class with Jackie Wakeling Jacobs. Embroidered collars and cuffs have long been a favorite of historical reenactors, and they were a favorite of our foresisters during the 1860s. But were these items made at home by hand or were they purchased in the local mercantile already embroidered and ready to be made into a beautiful collar or cuffs set? We will examine different items and investigate the history of machine hand embroidery as it was being used during this time. We will discover how and where some of these lovely items were created and how they were sold. Instructor Fee: $20, Materials Cost: $5
     -Telling Stories:  A Writers Workshop, a workshop with Dr. Joy Fowler. This workshop is designed to get you started writing authentically about the past. Whether you lean toward biography, journalism, drama, short story, novel or poetry, the entry point is the same: who, what, where, when, why and how! Bring the history-related ideas, hopes and dreams that you want to breathe new life into and your writing tools of choice; if electronic, include an extension cord! Class will meet upstairs in the library and perhaps informally at breakfast to get our muses' attention. Joy will be available outside of class for private consultation, editing, and book signing. Instructor Fee:  $20, Materials Cost: $5
     -Creating a Period Floor Cloth, a workshop with Genie Stracuzzi. Have you ever admired the painted floor cloths that other reenactors and living historians rest their feet on? Did you know that simple painted floor cloths can cost several hundred dollars to buy? Take this workshop to learn how to make one and take home a painted floor cloth. This is a half-day workshop, but you can stay after class ends to continue to work on your project. Instructor Fee: $25, Materials Cost: $50

Lunch, 12:30-1:30pm  

FRIDAY LUNCHTIME ACTIVITY
May Day Festivities, a lecture presented by Stephanie Brennan. 
This activity is included in the cost of registration.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES, 2:30-5:00pm
     -Tie One On:  Ladies Silk Neckties, a workshop with Penny DiPalma. In this class you will make a fancy silk necktie from the 23 July 1860 issue of Der Bazar, and the September 1861 issue of Godey's Lady's Book. You will also receive copies of the original patterns to complete the matching belt and cuffs on your own. Instructor Fee: $20, Materials Cost:  $10.
     -Genealogy Research Techniques, a workshop with Julie Wilson. Bring your laptop and let's get your family tree started! Have you been working on it and hit a brick wall? Let's talk about ways to break those down. Want to see how you can use those genealogical records to improve your impression? Then this is the place to be! Instructor Fee:  $20
     -Fashioning A Duct Tape Dummy, a workshop with Genie Stracuzzi. Would you like a personalized Dress Form or Mannequin that is an exact replica of your corseted (or men, non-corseted) body? Then make sure you sign up for this Make-n-Take Class & go home with your very own Duct Tape Dummy. Participants will be working closely with a partner to wrap the duct tape around their upper bodies. Thus, women will make their corset-fitted mannequin with either their spouse or a female partner; men will make their own form-fitted mannequin with either their spouse or a male partner. Modesty of participants will be respected. Participants will bring their own disposable fitted t-shirt with them to the class. Ladies will put the t-shirt over a corset. The Gents will put the t-shirt over their skin. Stuffing will need to be purchased separately after you bring the dummy home, but it's readily available. All other supplies except the T-Shirt and the stuffing will be provided, along with printed handouts. Supplies include silver duct tape--if you want a different color tape on the outside, bring one roll of 2" duct tape that is at least 30' long. Instructor Fee: $20, Materials Cost: $10
     -Belle Grove Plantation, a tour with Rodney Crawford. Belle Grove Plantation is a part of the Cedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical Park. It is located in the northern Shenandoah Valley near Middletown, Virginia, and was the home of Major Isaac Hite and his wife Nelly Madison Hite, sister of President James Madison. Major Hite, grandson of Shenandoah Valley Pioneer Jost Hite, used enslaved labor to expand his original 483 acres to a prosperous 7,500-acre plantation, growing wheat, raising livestock, and operating a large distillery and several mills. The Manor House, completed in 1797, was the centerpiece of the property. The plantation is a National Trust Historic Site, a part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. (www.bellegrove.org). Tour will leave Capon Springs at 12:30pm. Tour Charge: $12.00

Dinner, 6:00-7:00pm


FRIDAY EVENING ACTIVITY, 8:00-10:30pm
Celebrating May Day and Springtime:  The Antiques Exhibition 2022. We continue our May Day theme in our annual Antiques Exhibition. Come and see all types of material culture items that Spring brings to mind: light-colored clothing on men, women and children, pastel accessories, straw hats and bonnets, greenery, florals, all in styles and colors that evoke the awakening of the earth from its yearly slumber. You'll see clothing, housewares, millinery, and so many other types of artifacts offered for your appreciation and enjoyment! If you have something fun and spring-like to wear (for example, white or pastel dresses, linen suits, etc.), please do so! Otherwise, any period dress is perfectly appropriate. 
This activity is included in the cost of registration.

Special Note: If you have pieces you'd like featured in the Exhibition, let us know during registration what you'd like to bring. A member of the CivCel team will get back to you before the event to discuss your contribution. Your offerings are much appreciated!



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