The Carlisle Colonial Faire will be held at the First Religious Society’s Union Hall (27 School Street) on March 15th. The event will feature a minutemen muster re-enactment on the town common, as well as colonial themed demonstrations and handmade colonial style crafts by local artisans. The Historical Society will also be displaying several unique local artifacts from the Revolutionary War. The faire is your opportunity to get information about the Patriots Day 250th Anniversary Parade and Celebration this April. The event is free – all are welcome!
Full list of Demonstrations, Exhibits, and Vendors:
Revolutionary Reenactment (5th Regiment of Foot and Middlesex 6th Regiment)
Revolutionary War reenactors will be demonstrating drilling and firing on the Town Common outside the church where the Carlisle Minutemen gathered before marching to the Old North Bridge on the morning of April 19th 1775. They will also be performing period fife and drum music.
Historical Exhibit (The Carlisle Historical Society)
The Society will be on hand with a very special display. You will view a curated collection of local, authentic, Revolutionary War artifacts, some never seen before outside of the small local museum. Meet our CHS Board members and listen to the history surrounding these amazing items.
Rick Hamelin (Master potter, “Pottery and Patriots”)
Rick will demonstrate live red ware pottery making on his wheel, as he discusses the history of pottery in this region and tells stories related to the colonial period, using an interactive format.
Suzanne Korn (Folk art painter)
Suzanne will discuss the itinerant artist Rufus Porter whose style of Folk Art / primitive paintings and murals can be found in early inns and taverns up and down the East Coast. A slide show will demonstrate his style and how it influences her commissioned work. Suzanne’s recently completed “Smalls”, will be available for purchase.
Nancy Kronenberg (Master weaver)
Nancy will demonstrate the art of loom weaving. She will showcase a contemporary linen work that matches an exact hand-woven pattern used in the making of a colonial linen textile, currently in the Carlisle Historical Society’s collection. In addition, Nancy and her assistants will be offering a special children’s weaving project which they can complete on individual looms (for second graders and older).
LexArt Weavers (A collaborative group of local weavers)
They will offer a variety of smaller hand woven products to purchase.
Debbie Bentley (Local fabric artisan and watercolorist)
Debbie will display her many talents as she showcases her table with hand knitted goods, as well as water-colored paintings of Carlisle’s historic buildings and properties. Learn to knit a Revolutionary “Red Cap” with Debbie and become familiar with the history surrounding it. Stop by her booth for other surprises!
Betsy Fell (Local Basketmaker)
Betsy will present a live demonstration of her basket weaving skills while showcasing her lovely baskets — also available for purchase.
Katy Scholten (Jewelry maker)
Katy will present an informative slide show which will showcase jewelry that was popular during the Colonial Period. In
addition, she will display and sell her custom beaded pieces.
Jonathan Dekock (Local beekeeper/honey producer)
Jonathan will have his local honey available to purchase. He will provide attendees with informative connections on
how this sweetener was used during the Colonial Period.
Nate McKinley (Hard cider maker & proprietor at Pony Shack Cider Inc., Boxborough, Mass. )
Hard cider was the drink of choice during Colonial times. Come and join us for a glass!
Michael O’Connell (Author)
Michael will have his two recently published books, one for children, one for adults, available for signing and purchase. Michael’s books take the reader on a real treasure hunt — one local, and the other more distant, as they visit significant historical landmarks along the way. The books are packed with Patriot’s and Revolutionary War history and you will discover landmarks you never knew existed!
Carlisle 250 Information (Carlisle 250 Committee)
Members of the Carlisle 250 Committee will be on hand to offer attendees information about the upcoming Carlisle Patriots Day Parade to the Old North Bridge and other 250th events planned by the town. You can also learn about some of Carlisle’s colonial historic sites that can be explored after the event.
This program is supported by the Carlisle Historical Society, in part with grants from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
