Explore a 19th century Texas settlement during the annual Homestead Heritage Day at Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Discover the day-to-day lifestyle of early Texas setters, learn about the Akokisa Indians, and witness a re-enacted Civil War skirmish. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the variety of demonstrations, seldom-seen crafts and games, sample old-fashioned foods, and experience other 19th century activities during this family-friendly event. Admission is free and parking is available at no charge.
History comes to life as re-enactors dressed in authentic period garb transform the Redbud Hill Homestead into a working settlement of the early 1800s with demonstrations, games and musical performances by Fretted Friends, Paul Cooper and Chris Hartman, John Keahy and Steppin’ Out.
Watch the drama of the Civil War unfold in 1861 Texas as the 13th U.S. Infantry arrives to engage Confederate troops and free slaves during a re-enacted Civil War skirmish at 2 p.m. in the homestead. The featured event will include cannons and black powder weaponry along with other re-enactment groups, including Texas Rifles and 11th Texas Cavalry.
In the nearby Akokisa Indian village, American Indian descendants will demonstrate tribal customs and the use of tools, weapons, musical instruments and peace pipes.
The fun continues with unique crafts, games, and exhibits, including basket weaving, blacksmithing, butter churning, cast iron cooking, corn grinding, dyeing, hide tanning, soap making, spinning, weaving, and woodworking. Old-fashioned food will also be available for sampling including cornbread from the bread oven, jerky from the smokehouse, and stick bread and hoecakes cooked over an open fire.
Children’s activities include American Indian face painting, rope making and old-fashioned entertainment such as archery, a corn cob toss, stilts, hoops, and the spinning jenny, while adults can partake in a hawk throwing contest. Everyone can experience settler life through common daily tasks like candle making, carding wool, laundry, quilting, scraping hides, and skinning logs.
With leadership from Commissioner R. Jack Cagle, Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center is a Harris County Precinct 4 facility located at 20634 Kenswick Drive in Humble. All programs are free of charge and open to the public. Harris County Precinct 4 programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, sex, religion, national origin, or physical ability. Jesse Jones Park Volunteers (JJPV) welcomes applications from interested participants.For more information about the park or any of the activities and programs offered, please call 281-446-8588 or visit www.hcp4.net/community/parks/jones.
