Children's Clothing
May 2024
May certainly started with a flurry of activity. We were lucky enough to get a tour of the Conococheague Institute during the few extra days between the Fort Frederick Market Faire and the Mount Vernon Revolutionary War Weekend. It was a great reminder of the impact a small group of dedicated people can have, and we cannot wait to see where that passion takes them. Camping on George Washington’s front lawn never loses its power to inspire, and we plan on using that momentum to continue pushing to be the best we can. As we march on through the month of May, we look forward to many excitements that we have detailed in this Newsletter. From anniversaries of revolutionary acts, to holidays celebrated in modern day, there are many ways to connect the 18th Century to present times. "Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives". - James Madison.
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An Exciting Announcement...
You may notice an article of great interest being shared on our Facebook page from a highly acclaimed, nationally published newspaper in the coming days. Samson Historical recently had the opportunity to sit down with reporters from The New York Times to share the journey of building our passion for living history to the business we are so proud of today. We appreciate all the support and shared enthusiasm from the community of historians, reenactors, educators, and hobbyists who have helped deliver us to where we are today. Between the opening of our storefront, the expansion of our clothing lines to accommodate the Regency Era, and the many new faces added to our team, the past few years have seen more growth than we ever dreamed.
Samson Historical Lives in the Past by Embracing the Future - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
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New Month, New Arrival
Turned needle cases have hit the shelves! Seamstresses rejoice, these small cases are bustling with character and will certainly assist you in keeping your tiniest tool in its proper place. At only $8, these charming a small investment in greater peace of mind.
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National Musical Instrument Day
When you think of early instruments, what comes to mind? The sound of a drum as brave soldiers march to battle? Perhaps a jaw harp, simple in its design and one of the earliest instruments of the time? May 23rd is National “Buy A Musical Instrument Day”, and while we hope you choose to add both items to your collection, we also encourage you to invest in knowledge on this day! Keep an eye out for our upcoming blog about a personal favorite in our family, the violin.
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Celebrating Mother's Day
April showers bring May flowers, and many of us are preparing to bring flowers to the women we call “mom”! As Mother’s Day approaches on May 12, we hope you all take time to reflect on the positive impacts the matrons of your life have provided. Motherhood does not come without sacrifices, and we thank all the mothers in this world for their love and leadership in bringing new life to the world. If the cycle of life interests you, we encourage you to read our upcoming blog post, “Birthing America”, which details the history of childbirth in early America and the many differences in medicine we have today
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Remembering the Fallen
The birth of our country was a series of hard fought battles and keeping her safe has compounded the cost. While we celebrate the Revolution, we sometimes lose sight that the lives given up started there and the sacrifice continues to this day. Memorial Day carries a heavy significance as a reminder of those souls. We will continue to observe Memorial Day as we have in the past, out of the office and without promotions or sales. To the family and friends of the fallen, your sacrifice is not unnoticed and while we celebrate the legacy, we honor those who gave it.
- thank you.
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This Month in History
In the annals of colonial history, the Quartering Act of 1765 holds a significant place, and May 15th of this month marks its 259th anniversary. Enacted by the British Parliament, this legislation mandated that colonial assemblies provide British soldiers with housing and provisions, a move aimed at reducing the financial burden on the Crown in maintaining troops in the colonies. However, this Act also raised concerns among the colonists regarding their rights and liberties. They perceived it as an imposition of British authority and a violation of their privacy and property rights. The Act further fueled resentment towards British rule, laying the groundwork for future tensions. As we reflect on 259 years since its enactment, let us remember the Quartering Act of 1765 as a pivotal moment in the lead-up to the American Revolution. It serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by the colonists in their quest for independence and the enduring legacy of resistance against unjust laws.
Another significant Act impacting the colonies was also passed in May – The Tea Act. Crafted by the British Parliament, this legislation aimed to alleviate the financial woes of the British East India Company by facilitating direct tea sales to the American colonies. However, the Act maintained the taxation on tea imports, a move that triggered discontent among the colonists, who viewed it as unjust as they were without representation. The culmination of this tension was the iconic Boston Tea Party, where colonists protested by dumping British tea into the harbor. Beyond this act of defiance lay a deeper significance. The Tea Act fueled the flames of revolution, galvanizing the colonists in their pursuit of liberty and self-determination. It became a catalyst for the American Revolutionary War, shaping the course of history. As we mark 251 years since its passage, let us reflect on the enduring legacy of the Tea Act of 1773, a chapter in history that resonates with the spirit of resistance and the quest for freedom.
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Upcoming Events and Travels
Old Fort Niagara
July 27th - 28th
We look forward to spending May through June researching and restocking the items that seem to jump off the shelves while we are on the road before our next event in July, Old Fort Niagara. Located at Fort Niagara State Park in New York, we greatly enjoy traveling to this site for living history encampments and battle reenactments. We encourage you to mark your calendars and join us at Fort Niagara if you are able!
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Also in The Red Lion News-Letter
November 2024
It is well known and established here in the United States, that the National Day of Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month. While Thursday is ideal for creating a long weekend, it does seem a strange day for an annual holiday. It may surprise you that we have George Washington to thank for the tradition, and that he had visions off patriots rather than pilgrims in mind.
Read More
October 2024
As the fall season wraps up, we find ourselves with mixed emotions. Our event schedule kicked off early this year, starting in July, and while it’s nice to wind down before the colder weather sets in, we do miss those crisp, cool evenings of camping. A heartfelt thank you to our customers for their patience when orders took an extra day or two to ship while we were on the road.
September 2024
While the first official day of fall is immanent, we are already in the “fall spirit” here at Samson Historical. Many of our favorite family memories involve waking up under canvas on a cool crisp morning with the smell of woodsmoke in the air. We attended the NWTA grand encampment at Fort Meigs last month. They had a wonderful schedule of events for the youngest of reenactors that our family very much enjoyed.