Natural dyes, spinning wheels, and tape looms. Recently, living history interpreters demonstrated how they spin, dye, and weave their way through the transformation of fibers into fabrics at Historic London Town and Gardens. In case you missed it, we wanted to share the wonderful information they provided while on site. Outside the reconstructed Tenement house, we had three types of dye being used to make a rainbow of colors on various fabrics. First, madder plant roots were boiled in a large cauldron over a low burning fire. Madder plants are native to the Middle East and Northern Africa, but can be easily grown in the Mid Atlantic. Natural fibers, such as wool and linen, were steeped in the cauldron to create various shades of red. A combination of additives or extra dyes could be used to get colors like peachy-mauve, pink, or even dark purple. Another cauldron was filled with yellow dye made from Osage Orange. Osage Orange is a native plant to North America. It was so popular that in the colonial period, the dye and the dyed fabric were being exported from the colonies back to Europe. The third pot was filled with a dye made from the Indigofera plant, otherwise known as “indigo”. Indigo was sourced from tropical regions in the colonial period. Dying with indigo is intriguing: the fabric doesn’t turn blue until it is exposed to oxygen. When the fabric is first removed from the dye pot, it looks yellow but rapidly changes color to blue. To get a very dark blue, the fabric needs to be repeatedly dipped in the dye bath and exposed to oxygen. Inside the Tenement building, our living history volunteer was seated at the table and showed how to operate a Tape Loom. In the 18th Century, this type of loom was used to weave narrow bands of cloth – called “tapes.”  Tapes were used for straps, trim, ties, etc… Women in the 18th century used tapes for a multitude of reasons. For example, the thin tapes of fabric were used to close their aprons, tie on their petticoats, and to hold little things at their waist so they could access them easily. To operate the Tape Loom which is the size of a small toaster oven, she demonstrated how she passed the shuttle through the thread (called the shed), creating a basic checkered design (check out this Instagram video!). Inside the historic William Brown House, our living history volunteer demonstrated how to use a type of spinning wheel called a Castle Wheel. During the afternoon, she pedaled the Castle Wheel to twist her yarn onto a bobbin. She estimated one full bobbin would take a person approximately four hours to fill. Thank you to all of our living history interpreters who volunteered their time to demonstrate the fiber arts to all of our visitors. If you would like to see more demonstrations like this, we hope to have them on display during our Women’s Work Weekend in August and again in the Fall. If you would like to receive updates on upcoming events, please sign-up for our eblast: HERE.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING US SURPASS OUR GOAL! Your gifts are being matched for a much-needed technology upgrade! As we focus on telling the stories of the past, we need to replace old computers and improve site connectivity. This will help us to operate more efficiently and engage more seamlessly with our guests and the public in 2024 and going forward. Of course, we accept contributions year-round! You may donate by visiting our General Donations page or by mailing a check made payable to the London Town Foundation to 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. You may also give by calling 410-222-1919 x 205. Gifts of any amount are welcomed! Thank you!

Emancipation Day, Wednesday, November 1, 2023 11:00 a.m. Music, speakers, ceremony. Lunch and tours will be offered. Please RSVP to Developmentdirector@historiclondontown.org or call 410-222-1919 x 205 The Middle Passage Ceremonies and Port Markers Project was established in 2011 to honor the two million captive Africans who perished during the transatlantic crossing known as the Middle Passage and the ten million who survived to build the Americas. In 2019, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) designated Historic London Town as a Routes of Enslaved Peoples Project Site of Memory. It was here that at least four ships brought chained and shackled Africans to its port on the South River: the Margaret (1718), the Elizabeth (1719), the Clapham (1729), and the Jenny (1760). It is estimated that several more vessels arrived at the shores of this colonial town, where captives were unloaded and prepared for sale to the highest bidder. Some were bought and sold from the property of William Brown, tavern keeper and ferry master. Thousands of people in bondage lived, worked, and died in this colonial seaport and its surroundings. Others, sold here, were enslaved elsewhere. By 1776, more than half the people living in and around London Town were enslaved. You are welcome to join us in commemoration of the lives of those who perished, those who endured the Middle Passage, those who were enslaved, and their descendants as we honor the spirit of resilience and hope. 11:00 am: Ceremony begins Mid-day: Lunch Beginning at 1:00: Optional tours Please RSVP to Developmentdirector@historiclondontown.org or call 410-222-1919 x 205 Sankofa is a Twi word from the Akan tribe of Ghana that loosely translates from a proverb to “go back and get it.” This phrase encourages learning from the past to inform the future, reaching back to move forward, and lifting as we climb.

The Historic London Town & Gardens Retail Nursery opens on Thursday, September 7, and will be open Thursdays and Fridays through December 8 from 10:00 am until 12:30 pm near the greenhouse. Enjoy seed packets, fall bulbs, ground covers, succulents, perennials, shrubs, and a limited selection of trees. And don't forget the unique Marshy Point Azaleas! Online sales information coming soon!

With our recent changes to the William Brown House, we have tried to make a more immersive visitor experience. One way we have done this is to improve our exhibit signage to reflect the perspectives of various historical colonial figures. For instance below, instead of listing the foods served when the William Brown House operated a tavern, we describe who was preparing the food and who was eating it.

The gardens at Historic London Town are at the peak of the spring splendor during the month of April. The garden is bursting with bright pinks, purples, and reds as the Azaleas and Rhododendron blossom, along with numerous other species. Here are some garden pics from this month:

We were happy to see that we were featured in Attraction Magazine, the good news magazine, as a #FindYourChesapeake site! Read the article here:

Director of Development and Communications Position Description The Director of Development and Communications is the primary staff person responsible for coordinating fundraising and marketing activities at London Town and Gardens. This person will also assist the Executive Director with organizational oversight. Responsibilities Collaborates with executive director on operational planning and strategy as well as board development and staff administration. Serves as managing director when director is on leave. Oversees fundraising, including stewarding and increasing membership and annual donations; planning and executing the annual benefit and targeted fundraisers; writing grant proposals and reports; working with staff and board on identifying fundraising needs, goals, and strategies; managing the customer relation management database; and creates fundraising policies, plans, calendars, and goals. Supervises marketing, including working with the press; creating ads; ensuring inclusion in online calendars; managing the website; organizing external communications in consultation with other staff; and directing London Town's social media strategy. Participates in service to the museum community and professional organizations. Perform other duties as assigned and needed. Requirements: Ability to perform all duties, with a welcoming, friendly, and professional demeanor. Ability to quickly learn and perform all duties with accuracy and efficiency. Knowledge and understanding of museum and/or public gardens principles, objectives, and practices. Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials. Ability to have multiple projects ongoing while prioritizing them to meet deadlines. Proficiency in operating Microsoft Office, customer relationship management software, website editing software, email, and ability to learn new programs. Willingness to work independently and as a team. Work Schedule: The Director of Development and Communications is considered a full-time position. The incumbent will generally work a 40-hour work week Monday through Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm. After a 30-day learning period, this position can become hybrid with 1 – 2 days offsite/telework per week and 3 – 4 days onsite. For certain programs and site-wide events throughout the year there is a need for extended hours and/or additional workdays. These hours and needs will be arranged ahead of time with the Executive Director. Employees and volunteers who work at Historic London Town and Gardens work for the London Town Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. The Foundation is generally considered a small organization in terms of personnel. As such all employees and volunteers should expect to perform tasks and duties that are generally outside of their usual assignments. Desired Qualifications Bachelor’s degree required or a minimum of 4 years of experience in the field. At least 2-3 years of experience raising revenue from foundations, corporations, public entities, special events and individual donors. Experience in all forms of marketing including print, social media, and website maintenance. Experience managing grants with a proven track record of success. Strong communication and project management skills. Experience working in a collaborative organization with various internal and external stakeholders, balancing competing demands for time and priorities. Reports to: Executive Director Job Type: Full-time Compensation: $68,000 – $73,000 annually This position is considered a full-time position and is eligible for the following benefits: Retirement plan and Foundation match Foundation-paid flexible spending account ($750) 10 days of accrued annual and 7 days of personal leave each year plus paid holidays. About Historic London Town and Gardens Historic London Town and Gardens is operated by the London Town Foundation (a 501c3 nonprofit entity) on behalf of Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks. As such, our job is to ensure that we appropriately manage our historic, archaeological, and horticultural resources. We work with the Anne Arundel County government and other heritage organizations to promote London Town as an educational resource while ensuring the site’s sustainability for future visitors. How to Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to Executive Director Mickey Love at executivedirector@historiclondontown.org.

From left to right: Rododendrons and Azalea hills overlooking the South River and Bald cypress; R. 'scintillation'; R. 'County of York' The Rhododendrons of London Town are looking spectacular this bloom season! May is marvelous in the gardens, between Tree Peonies, ephemerals, Camellias (yes! they are still in bloom) and Rhododendrons, there isn't a path without a blossom gleaming down the swales and hills. The wild Azalea hills though, are the most radiant in May. None of the pictures do any justice to the spectacular 2022 bloom season. Did you know that all Azaleas are Rhododendrons but not all Rhododendrons are Azaleas? In the 'Wild Azalea Hills...series# 1' let's look at the Rhododendrons of London Town. Rhodo refers to 'rose' and dendron refers to 'tree'. In the native habitats, most Rhododendrons have a tree like habit. Wild Azaleas too have a tall shrub like habit. Elepidote (non-scaly leave) and lepidote (scaly leaves) Rhododendrons come in many colors. Some of the precious Rhododendrons that are currently adorning the Azalea hills are: R. scintillation (large showy evergreen leaves, soft pink flowers with white inner star, a classic Dexter); R. 'County of York' (creamish white with faint brown speckled inner petals, slightly fragrant); R. 'skyglow' (faint pink, smaller flowers, deeply fragrant, olive-green leaves, one of the prominent parents of most dexter varieties). R. smirnowii "Large-leaf (elepidote) evergreen rhododendrons are typically low, mound-forming shrubs. This group includes the so-called “ironclad” plants bred from R. catawbiense, R. ponticum and R. caucasicum, as well as Fortunei and Yakushimanum hybrids. Small-leaf (lepidote) rhododendrons include some of the hardiest of all evergreen plants in the genus. Deciduous and evergreen azaleas are small to medium-leaved shrubs that bear a profusion of flower trusses. They are commonly known to gardeners as azaleas."https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/rhododendron R. 'skyglow' Drainage is key for Rhododendrons and hence planting on a mound is beneficial. They don't like wet feet at all. "These plants prefer moist, well-drained, acidic soils in dappled shade and protection from afternoon sun which can scorch the leaves. They do not tolerate dense clay, so if you have clay soil, amend with organic material. The roots may rot if soil does not drain well. Plant the root ball high in the soil to help with drainage issues. Avoid overwatering and over-fertilizing. Azaleas and rhododendrons are at home as understory shrubs planted in groups in woodland or naturalized areas, or as specimens in pollinator gardens where the flowers will attract hummingbirds and bees." https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rhododendron/ If you are planning on planting any Rhododendrons in your gardens this season, check out this information on basic planting and care: https://www.rhododendron.org/planting.htm Make sure you check if the variety you pick is suitable to our plant hardiness zone 7. And if you don't have the room to grow the Rhododendrons, you can always come and enjoy them up close on the wild Azalea hills at London Town! Check out our Wild Azalea series next week to learn more about native and non-native Azaleas.

With our recent changes to the William Brown House, we have tried to make a more immersive visitor experience. One way, we have done this is by adding more items, like this Portmanteau, a colonial suitcase. Isn't it amazing how much it can fit?

In the video below, can you guess what the item being held is? It is just one of several new items that will be coming to the William Brown House when we reopen for the the 2023 spring season the weekend of April 1st. See the answer below! London Town's Puzzle Jug: A Tavern Game It is a Puzzle Jug! Popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, puzzle jugs are what they sound like: jugs that are also puzzles. These ceramic containers had perforated necks, so the liquid contents could not be drunk normally, or they would spill all over the drinker. Each puzzle jug had a different solution - usually involving a built-in straw from the base of the cup up to a hole around the rim. To make matters more challenging, the cups had multiple holes, some of which needed to be blocked off for the liquid to flow. Are you getting frustrated now because you just want your ale?! Remember, whatever you do, don't tip the jug lest your grog end up in your lap! Many jugs had cheeky inscriptions taunting the drinker, like this one at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London: Puzzle jug, about 1770 – 75, Bristol, England. Museum no. 275-1896. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London "TRY HOW TO DRINK AND NOT TO SPILL AND PROVE THE UTMOST OF YOUR SKILL" Enjoy this video on how puzzle jugs were made: https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/how-was-it-made-a-puzzle-jug/ Puzzle jugs were common in taverns, and the Rumney-West Tavern or other London Town taverns may have had one in their collection. Ours was made by hand at SJ Pottery, LLC in Salesville, Arkansas - it will be on display in the William Brown House starting the the weekend of April 1st. Try to figure out how it works for yourself!

In March of 2023, Get Away Mavens, a website that publishes romantic get-away itineraries highlighted Historic London Town & Gardens as an Exhilarating Thing to Do in Annapolis! See what they said about us below: 39 Exhilarating Things to Do In Annapolis MD Malerie Yolen-Cohen TOUR: Historic London Town and Gardens, Edgewater At the shoreline dead end of a residential street, you might think you’ve got the wrong directions for Historic London Town and Gardens. But keep on to what looks like a mini Plimith Plantation, and you will be duly rewarded with views, human interest stories dating back to colonial times, and some of the wildest, most amazing plants and trees you’ll ever see in this part of the USA. See the article here: https://www.getawaymavens.com/annapolis-md/