Our Fall “A Day in the 19th Century” field trip season is beginning soon. We are proud to say that we had just over 3000 students visit us last spring!
The William Harris Homestead (circa 1825) was built around the time Walton County was formed (1818) from the sale of land from the Creek Indian Nation to the state of Georgia. The Homestead was farmed by the Harris family throughout the 19th century. The restored Homestead is uniquely situated to describe the different transition periods of the 19th century, using the history of the Harris family to “tell the tale”. The field trip consists of four units, where you will learn about the log-house and the family who lived there, outdoor life, the Civil War, the first settlers of our area, and Blacksmithing, before enjoying a Hayride through our woods and pastures. Our highly trained and knowledgeable staff bring the story to life!
Our heritage education program can be customized for homeschool groups, clubs, and adults, too!
To find out more about our field trip program, visit www.harrrishomestead.com.
Our 2019/2020 calendar is filling up fast! Email melissa@harrishomestead.com to schedule your school, homeschool group or club for a fun filled day of learning.

Mark your calendars now!
Upcoming events at the homestead:

•Archaeology Day October 12, 2019

•Colonial Frontier/Settlers Day November 9, 2019

•Historic Christmas Food for Thought December 7, 2019 (tentative)

•Blacksmith Day March 21, 2020 (tentative)

•Primitive Skills Day May 2, 2020

Due to the overwhelming success of our Mushroom Foray last month, we are working closely with Andrew Minnick, of Authentic Primitive Skills, to add additional days!

Watch Facebook, Instagram, or our website at www.harrishomestead.com for more information coming soon!

Last week the William Harris Homestead participated in Lettuce Cook! A Garden to Table Summer Camp. The camp took place at the Field Garden and the Ag Center for most of the week and the William Harris Homestead on Thursday. While at the Homestead, campers learned about early food preservation and agriculture practices of the nineteenth century. The campers also learned about bees and beekeeping from Bold Springs Apiary and went on an herb walk led by Anne-Marie Bilella of Bella Vista Farm. The day was rounded out with crafts! Campers made a rosemary infused vingarette with rosemary from the Homestead’s herb garden, corn husk dolls, and kindness rocks.

Check out the Walton Wellness Instagram page for more information and pictures from Lettuce Cook! 
https://waltonwellness.org/

The Colonial Dames of America Georgia Piedmont Chapter XXXIII held one of their monthly meetings earlier in June at the William Harris Homestead. The Colonial Dames of America Georgia Piedmont Chapter XXXIII are huge supporters of the William Harris Homestead, and even adopted the Homestead as their chapter’s philanthropy project. The Colonial Dames are responsible for many of our interpretative signage, including the smokehouse and entrance signs.

We love The Colonial Dames Georgia Piedmont Chapter XXIII! 

Join us at the William Harris Homestead on Saturday, May 4, 2019 for Primitive Skills Day! Come watch, learn, and experience the way people used to live hundreds of years ago. Primitive Skills Day will be lead by Andrew Minnick of Authentic Primitive Living.

Activities will include lessons on Stone Age tools, friction fire demonstrations, an edible plant walk, and much more! The day will be rounded out by atlatl throwing demonstrations and the William Harris Homestead signature hayride. Experience the Homestead’s first Primitive Skills Day on Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
General Admission: $6.00 | Seniors (60+): $5.00 | Children 5 and under: FREE!

The Homestead was excited to be a part of the Walton County Conservation District’s Grazing Field Day on March 28th. The field day covered topics such as grazing management and soil health, and also highlighted programs and services provided by the University of Georgia, the Farm Service Agency (FSA), and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The William Harris Homestead has been an active farm since 1836, so we know firsthand how important, helpful, and beneficial these topics and programs are. Thank you to the Conservation District for letting us be a part of the Grazing Field Day!

On March 30, the Young Historians of the William Harris Homestead had their first workday of the year! Grant and Mark Tribble (along with their parents) worked hard to cultivate an area for an heirloom dye garden to be planted later this spring. Some time was also spent laying out the path for an interpretive trail/hiking path at the historic site. This trail will be the first of many planned for the William Harris Homestead in the coming years.
To learn more about the group, their goals, and their projects, and to meet the Young Historians, make sure to come visit on April 6, 2019 for Archaeology Day!
If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll be able to spot our newfound warty friend, too! 🐸

The William Harris Homestead, 3636 GA Hwy 11, Monroe, will host “Blacksmith Day” on Saturday, March 16, 2019, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Our resident blacksmith, Doc Watson, will be on site with his apprentices to teach about the history of blacksmithing and demonstrate his skills at the forge and on the anvil. Tomahawk Hank and the Colonial Frontier Life Team will also be on site to teach about frontier skills. Spend the day enjoying hayrides, craft demonstrations, and celebrate spring at the Homestead! General Admission: $6.00 | Seniors (60 years+): $5.00