Harvests and Holidays 2013

Date: November 18, 2013
Contact: Sarah Cunningham, 864-543-4068

Ninety Six National Historic Site invites you to the Harvests & Holidays event, formerly known as the Backcountry Holiday at the Logan Log House on Saturday, December 7. This free event will last from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.  Light refreshments and children's activities will be available until supplies run out.  Embrace the colonial harvest and holidays amid the crackling fire, glowing candlelight, and scents of fresh cedar and pine. 

"'Tis the season" to reveal fall traditions and activities carried out by colonists as they prepared for a dark and cold winter.  Autumn was a busy time of year as meats, fruits, and vegetables were preserved, summer harvests reaped and winter crops sown, and candles made to see the winter through. As natural light grew smaller and the winter solstice approached, colonists found more leisure time to celebrate the holidays. 

Celebration of Christmas during the late colonial period was far different from the customs we follow today; however, the day was still recognized in both home and camp. Civilians toasted friends in decorated homes with sumptuous eats and spirituous refreshments. In camp the soldiers braved the winter cold and shared with their companions whatever small reward of food and drink conditions afforded. Decorations in the home were simple, most often candles and trimmings of evergreen.  The Christmas tree itself was a rare sight having been introduced to the colonies by German settlers and the Hessian soldiers serving with the British army during the war. Even so, Christmas was a time of sharing and goodwill.  

Ninety Six National Historic Site is administered by the National Park Service. The park is located two miles south of Ninety Six on SC Highway 248. In case of inclement weather the program will be cancelled and not rescheduled. Contact the park for details at [phone] or visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/nisi.  Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/ninetysixnps.