The Sam Houston Memorial Museum is providing guests a unique chance to step back from the modern world and enjoy a glimpse of the past through a series of trades demonstrations held throughout the semester.
The series began Jan. 10 with a woodworking demonstration and will run through the first weekend in May. During this time, Saturdays at the museum will be dedicated to participating artisans who will demonstrate different crafts for guests viewing pleasure.
The weekend demonstrations have become a yearly tradition and have taken place for years, according to Megan Buro, Sam Houston Memorial Museum marketing coordinator.
“We have been doing the Saturday demonstrations for a while now, and to be honest I began here in 2009 and they were already doing them,” Buro said. “They take place every fall and spring.”
Buro said different artisans will perform depending on what demonstration is scheduled for that day and usually draw crowds of up to thirty people per event.
“The artisans are very knowledgeable about their craft, and it’s a chance for visitors to step back in time,” Buro said.
Events will alternate each Saturday throughout the duration of the presentations, with different trades being highlighted each weekend. Specific locations across the museums grounds have also been assigned for each demonstration.
Spinning and weaving will take place at the Woodland Home Front Porch. The Guerrant Cabin is designated for the woodworking presentations and kick wheel pottery making can be found at the Raven’s Pottery Shed.
The kick wheel pottery making demonstration will offer visitors a unique opportunity to take part and participate in the making of various pottery items. Certain pottery items such as mugs, bowls and plates made by the demonstrators will also be available for sale.
“We do sell some of the pottery that our demonstrator makes in the Museum gift shop,” Buro said. “We have items like bowls, mugs, and plates. These make great gifts made right here in Huntsville.”
Due to the grounds covering fifteen acres, visitors are encouraged to look for the orange ‘Activity Here’ sign to point them in the right direction toward a demonstration that is taking place.
Weekend demonstrations will take place on the museum grounds each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission is free to visitors only wanting to take place in viewing the demonstrations. Guests wishing to view the museum as well will be charged general admission.
All SHSU students receive free entrance into the museum.
This spring’s demonstrations will wrap up with the museum’s General Sam Houston Folk Festival. The festival will take place May 1-3 on the museum grounds.
Visit samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com for more information regarding the events and the museum.