Which sports were popular in Colonial America? How did gentlemen, ladies, and children amuse themselves in the 18th Century when invited to Middleton Place on a summer afternoon? And what about enslaved Africans, who despite their oppression, found time for leisure? The interactive programs and demonstrations on both days will offer an incredible range of activities from colonial sports and games to pastimes such as needlework, crafts and Gullah storytelling.
Throughout both days, guests will be invited to the “colonial tavern” where they can enjoy colonial dancing and fiddle music and play popular tabletop games like Shut-the-Box, cards and dice games. Half Crown Bakehouse will be serving up waffles made on an authentic 18th-century waffle iron. All ages can try their hand at flying kites and painting en plein air, play colonial sports of cricket and battledore/shuttlecock (an early precursor to badminton), listen to Gullah stories, and learn about other pastimes such as fashion and hunting.
Ongoing Activities and Demos
Fine Needlework, Fashion & Beauty
Watercolor and Miniature Painting En Plein Air
18th Century Kite Demo/Modern Kite Flying
Hunting and Fishing Camp
Rag Quilting and Gullah Storytelling
Cricket and Battledore & Shuttlecock
Tavern with Table Games and Half Crown Bakehouse Waffle Frolick, Colonial Dancing and Fiddle Music
Gamecocking Scenario
Scheduled Events (subject to change)
10:30 – Kids’ Paint (Friday)/Painting Lecture (Saturday)
11:00 – Storytelling/Rag Quilting
11:30 – Kite Flying Demonstration
12:00 – Gamecocking Scenario
1:00 – Hair and Beauty Demonstration
1:30 – Kids’ Paint (Friday)/Painting Lecture (Saturday)
2:00 – Storytelling/Rag Quilting
2:30 – Hair and Beauty Demo
3:00 – Gamecocking Scenario
3:00 – Kite Flying Demo
The special programs are included in the regular admission price of the National Historic Landmark. Spend the day with all the exhibits and tours in America’s Oldest Landscaped Gardens, House Museum, and Plantation Stableyards.
Extend your visit with a stay at The Inn at Middleton Place.
Guests of special events at Middleton Place receive a 10% discount on their room rate.