Southeastern Civilian Living Historians

10/18/2026

Worth a visit! Stop by before 4pm.

10/16/2026

SCLH at Living History Park in N Augusta SC for Education Days

10/14/2026

Hi! For any folks going to Kershaw SC for the Revolutionary Battles (Battle of Camden) Nov 13, 14, &15 , 2026.

Someone had expressed an interest in learning tape loom weaving, or getting better- asking questions about tape loom weaving.

I do tape loom weaving, and was thinking- maybe historian folks would like/want to get together for a session or so as part of the weekend demonstrations. If so- let me know- bring your loom - threaded or unthreaded- yarn- and we can weave together . Maybe there are other knowledgeable folks that would want to join in to share. If you don’t have a loom but have an interest- stop by also.

I am with Southeastern Civilian Living Historians- you have probably seen me weaving/spinning/doing fiber-Mona C. Hope to hear from you folks!

10/13/2026

Members of the Southeastern Civilian Living Historians will be at the Living History Park in North Augusta, South Carolina, this coming weekend for Colonial Times: A Day to Remember.
We will demonstrate the civilian side of 18th-century life among the park’s living exhibits, trades, and demonstrations that bring the colonial past to life.

Saturday, October 17 | 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Sunday, October 18 | 10:00 am–4:00 pm
The event is free to the public. For more details, visit the Living History Park:
https://colonialtimes.us/

This map of colonial America was published in 1885 and shared here by permission for non-commercial purposes from the University of South Florida.

We look forward sharing the domestic skills and daily work that shaped life in the colonial era. See you this weekend!

10/12/2026

This promises to be a great event! Please join us in North Augusta, South Carolina this weekend!

09/29/2026

We so enjoy sharing a love of history with each other and with any curious kindred spirits who stop by! Thank you The Museum of the Waxhaws for having us!

09/21/2026

In just a few days time, the "Southeastern Civilians" will be returning to the annual reenactment of the Battle of Charlotte, NC.

Members of SCLH shall be present at the Museum of the Waxhaws for the Battle of Charlotte American Revolution Weekend, September 26–27.
We shall demonstrate the civilian side of 18th-century life and will be found near the sutlers upon the grounds. Look for us amid the living history displays, military encampments, and battle reenactments that bring the year 1780 once more to life.

Saturday, September 26 | 10 AM–4 PM
Sunday, September 27 | 10 AM–3 PM

Battle reenactments at 2 PM each day
For tickets, the full schedule, and further particulars, pray consult the Museum of the Waxhaws:

https://museumofthewaxhaws.org/ The Museum of the Waxhaws
Come and observe the domestic arts and daily labors that sustained the Carolina backcountry in the time of the Revolution.

09/14/2026

This coming Saturday, several members of the Southeastern Civilian Living Historians will be on hand at this year’s Germanfest to demonstrate the everyday skills and domestic practices of German settlers who migrated into the North Carolina backcountry in the 18th century.

Visitors can expect to see demonstrations of weaving, making apple butter, pretzel making, and historical methods of preparing chocolate—trades and kitchen work familiar in households like the one Michael Braun built. These activities illustrate the practical knowledge and material culture German immigrants carried with them as they established farms and communities in Rowan County.

The setting is the Old Stone House (also known as the Michael Braun House), constructed in the 1760s and the oldest standing home in Rowan County. This fully restored German Colonial structure offers a tangible link to the region’s early German heritage.

While Germanfest is not on our official SCLH calendar, we are glad our members can help bring this important North Carolina historic site to life for the public.

Saturday, September 19, 2026

10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
For admission, directions, and the full schedule of activities, please check with Rowan Museum Inc.

09/11/2026

Come see us later this month near Charlotte, NC.

MEET THE PEOPLE. LEARN THE SKILLS.
EXPERIENCE 1780.

The American Revolution was not lived only on the battlefield. It was also found in the hands that spun thread, worked the loom, prepared meals, repaired clothing, tended camp, cared for families and kept everyday life moving through uncertain times.

On September 26–27, step beyond the history book and enter the world of 1780 at the Museum of the Waxhaws!

Explore military encampments, meet living historians, watch traditional skills and demonstrations, speak with authors and historical organizations, and discover the people and stories behind the Revolution. Then hear the muskets fire, feel the artillery thunder and watch cavalry take the field during two battle reenactments.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Gates Open — 9:50 AM
Musket Firing — 10:30 AM
Artillery Demonstration — 11:00 AM
Cavalry Demonstration — 11:30 AM
Battle of Charlotte Reenactment — 2:00 PM
Gates Close — 4:00 PM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Gates Open — 9:50 AM
Church Service — 10:00 AM
Musket Firing — 10:30 AM
Artillery Demonstration — 11:00 AM
Cavalry Demonstration — 11:30 AM
Battle of McIntyre’s Farm Reenactment—“The Battle of the Bees” — 2:00 PM
Gates Close — 3:00 PM

Living-history activities, authors, historical organizations and demonstrations will continue throughout the day. Tickets are valid for the entire day, and visitors may leave and return.

IMPORTANT VISITOR INFORMATION

• Children five and younger are admitted free.
• The event will be held rain or shine.
• Chairs and coolers are welcome.
• Dogs and other pets are not permitted.
• The museum grounds will be closed to through traffic during the event.
• Event parking is located at 1101 Old Providence Road in the lot adjacent to the museum.

History was fought on the battlefield—but it was lived everywhere.

Come meet the people, learn the skills and experience 1780 at the Battle of Charlotte American Revolution Weekend!

September 26–27, 2026
Museum of the Waxhaws

07/07/2026

As we swelter through another Southern summer, it's hard not to feel grateful for modern air conditioning. But our 18th-century predecessors were resourceful in managing the heat with what they had! Here are a few examples:

🔥They started the day early with cooking and baking, then enjoyed the largest meal at midday to avoid tending hot fires during the peak afternoon heat. Unheated dishes such as salmagundi (salad equivalent), including pickled foods, might also be served.
🍺Refreshing drinks like small b**r (a low-alcohol, everyday fermented brew safer than untreated water) and c***r (from apples, often lightly fermented) were daily staples for safe hydration.
🏠Homes often featured clever designs with central breezeways and porches that captured every bit of wind, plus generous use of shade trees and awnings.
👒Clothing was all about breathability and protection: pale-colored lightweight linen and worsted-wool (tropical weight) garments that wicked moisture and allowed air to flow, paired with hats and coverings to shield skin from the intense sun.

Our forebears used time-tested strategies to deal with the hottest days of the year. While we'll happily keep our AC running, there's wisdom here we can still apply today—light fabrics, strategic timing, staying in the shade, and making smart clothing choices.

What’s your favorite historical heat-beating tip? Share below!


Images:
Hay Makers by William Ward, 1793, (Yale Center for British Art, public domain)
Dogtrot type cabin with central breezeway near Greensboro, no date (State Archives of NC via flickr, public domain)