History interpreters Tom Wojcinski and Ian Baker with artifacts and tools associated with traditional maple sugaring.
Porter County Museum (PoCo Muse) will host a public event about historic winter trades on Saturday, February 21, from 10am to 2pm. Living-history interpreters dressed in period garb will describe and demonstrate techniques used by both European settlers and indigenous peoples in our area during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The program is interactive, family-friendly, and free of charge.
“Join our band of living-history interpreters for a wintertime showcase of historic trades,” said Executive Director Kevin Matthew Pazour. “Collecting maple sap to produce syrup was once an important industry in Porter County; maple sugar was the primary sweetener in North America until the nineteenth century. The production process could only be accomplished during a short window in mid-winter. Also on display at the event will be other tasks, including traditional leatherworking and candle making, that were usually undertaken indoors once the agricultural season was over.”
“We have spent years researching these aspects of our local history,” said veteran reenactor Ian Baker of Michigan City. “Many artifacts representing the tools of these trades will be on display, and we encourage visitors to ask questions and interact with the interpreters. The program is an open house; drop by at any time during the event hours. If the weather cooperates, we may demonstrate some activities outdoors.”
“Don’t miss the opportunity during your visit to have a look at the exhibits currently on display at the PoCo Muse Muse,” suggested Pazour. “From a Bailly Point of View, tells the story of the pioneer Bailly family through objects that they owned. Joseph Bailly, whose homestead is preserved at Indiana Dunes National Park, was the first Porter County settler of European descent. The Cain Gallery celebrates the Hillstrom Organ Works which manufactured musical instruments in Chesterton from 1880 to 1913, selling them to customers all over the world. You can also check for the names of family members on the Lowenstine World War II Roll of Honor.”
History interpreter Tom Wojcinski pointing out tools used in maple sugar production.
Porter County Museum, located at 20 Indiana Avenue in downtown Valparaiso, is open six days a week, Tuesday-Sunday, from 11am to 5pm, with free admission. Free half-hour guided tours are offered on the third Saturday of each month at 10am. For more information, visit pocomuse.org or find @pocomuse on social media.