How does your garden grow?

Did you know that raised bed gardening was the method of choice for most kitchen gardeners in the mid-19th century? Neither did I until our newest historical interpreter, Pat, pointed it out. Like all of our interpreters, Pat brought with her a unique skill set dynamically suited to educating and inspiring our visitors. And as we do with all our interpreters, we set about figuring out how best to utilize (exploit) these skills to our advantage.

Pat is a Master Gardener and has devoted much of her life and time to educating children and adults about gardening. She researched 19th century gardens and developed the plan you currently see in progress. And so the Log Cabin Village raised bed garden is currently underway. Want to see our experiment unfold? Stay tuned...

Please click on the slideshow to start and to control the speed...

Topsy-turvy, photos, scarves...and more!

It seems like winter just started, and yet it's already about time for spring! Don't get us wrong...we love the warm weather and the pitter-patter of children's (and adults') feet, but it's hard to believe the busy season is upon us again. But for that, as always, we are grateful.

Sometimes visitors ask, however, what we do when visitation is slower. On chilly winter days, while our interpreters wait to greet you, they are typically busy with "behind the scenes" tasks. For example, in January, they worked very diligently to help organize photographs from the Village's institutional archives and place them in albums.


They also decided to undertake new craft ventures to provide even more beautiful handmade (Village made) items for our museum store. Lately the women have been working their fingers to nubbins producing topsy-turvy dolls. Every time one is made, it immediately sells (so please call ahead if you're coming in to purchase one). Fortunately we took photos of a couple of the sweet darling dolls before they went into the shop.

Topsy-turvy dolls have a fascinating history. These dolls became popular in the southern U.S. before the Civil War. They could have been made for slave children by their mothers so they could have a “hidden” doll when the master was around. Or, the dolls could have been made for the children of the slave owner for role play. More than likely, both explanations hold some truth. You can read more about topsy-turvy dolls here. We are currently producing the aforementioned as well as "asleep/awake" dolls.

Interpreters have also begun making beautiful knit scarves. Since Texas is not well-known for its scarf weather, they are also planning to expand their "line" to include blankets, booties, and whatever else they imagine!

And we still carry many other Village-made treats like fresh ground cornmeal, lye soap, hand-forged dinner bell triangles, wooden walking sticks, yarn dolls, candles, and more! Stop into the store and see what's new!

3 Questions--Steven

This video is the second in a series introducing visitors to our "Village People" here at Log Cabin Village in Fort Worth, TX. This clip features "craftsman extraordinaire" Steven (with a cameo by Taffy the cat). By the way, I apologize for my (the educator's) choppy video editing. I'm learning as I go. :)

3 Questions--Kelli Pickard

You know...we have really cool 19th century buildings, fascinating artifacts, and an amazingly beautiful wooded setting. But you know what we also consider one of our greatest assets? Our PEOPLE! We thought you might enjoy getting to know them better!

This video is the first in a series introducing visitors to our "Village People" here at Log Cabin Village in Fort Worth, TX. This clip features Museum Director Kelli Pickard.

Help Wanted...

Would you like to work for Log Cabin Village? Here's your chance!

Position: Customer Service Rep. I (Historical Interpreter)

Hourly Rate: $10.28 an hour, less than 1040 hours per year, no benefits

Duties:

· Greet and help organize program groups

· Provide historical presentations and pioneer craft demonstrations

· Provide high quality customer service

· Assist curatorial staff with chores such as cleaning the cabins, dusting museum artifacts, and helping with reports

· Produce pioneer crafts for sale in the gift shop as time and duties permit

· Read and research Texas pioneer history as time permits

· Assist staff with special projects as necessary

· Position reports directly to Curator

Requirements:

· Must speak to large and small groups of all ages

· Must wear 19th century historical attire

· Must work outdoors with no climate control

· Must be willing to learn Texas history and pioneer crafts

· Must be able to work every other weekend (both days)

· Previous customer service experience preferred

· Must have high school diploma or GED

To apply, please visit the position opening on the City of Fort Worth's Human Resources web site.

The position closes July 25, 2008. Good luck to all candidates!