The past will come alive at the Fort Montgomery State Historic Site on Saturday, May 24. Beneath springtime trees and the echoes of the Hudson River, the 18th Century Wool Spinning and Dyeing event will take place. Starting at 11 a.m., history lovers will be able to immerse themselves in a unique experience: a journey into colonial America to learn about ancient techniques for working with wool.
Guiding this journey will be Barb Johns, a talented presenter and storyteller from New Jersey, who has worked in this craft for the past 15 years. The expert will demonstrate how to card wool, spin thread, and dye it using natural elements. The first step, though one of the most labor-intensive, is truly an art form. It involves untangling, cleaning, and aligning wool fibers before spinning. This requires two brushes with metal bristles.
Organizers note that participants will have the opportunity to spin wool using a replica of an 18th-century spinning wheel and then dye it over an open fire with natural dyes. In colonial times, marigold flowers, onion skins, pokeweed, and goldenrod were used to color the material. All activities will take place outdoors, in a setting that faithfully recreates the 18th-century atmosphere, complete with steaming cauldrons, period dress, and authentic tools.
The goal of the 18th Century Wool Spinning and Dyeing event is for people not only to be spectators but also to become participants. It is a hands-on, family-friendly event suitable for all ages. It is designed to educate in an interactive way about the art and self-sufficiency of colonial times. Additionally, it is part of the site’s ongoing efforts to preserve and share the daily life of those who lived on these lands during the American Revolution.
At Fort Montgomery State Historic Site, this is a recurring activity and part of the park’s living history program, which also features blacksmithing, carpentry, and traditional games. It is supported by the Palisades Parks Conservancy and the state’s Path Through History program, which aims to reconnect the public with New York’s rich historical heritage.
The event will run until 4 pm, admission is free, and no prior registration is required. For more information, visitors can check the park’s official website or follow its Facebook page.
