Need motivation to finish a project? Want a support network to get you through your ambitious costuming project? Come out to Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 14 and Thursday, Jan. 28 for the museum’s very first Costuming Bee. Bring your projects and sewing tools with you for a social gathering with like-minded folk. Historic costumers, re-enactors, sewing enthusiasts, dressmakers, tailors and beginners are all encouraged to attend. The event is free and coffee and tea will be provided.
BNHV is also planning their First Ladies Tea, which will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, in the museum’s ballroom. The event will be catered by the English Tea Ladies and will include various flavors of tea, traditional tea sandwiches, scones, quiche and desserts.
The First Ladies Tea at Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village will pay homage to our region’s female political leaders and recognize local historical figures such as First Lady Abigail Fillmore and First Lady Frances Cleveland. The First Ladies Tea will include trivia, raffles and a special presentation by Denise Reichard as Eleanor Roosevelt. The price for the tea event is $35 per person or $30 for members, and reservations are required. Reservations are due by Feb. 12 and can be made by calling (716) 689-1440 or visiting www.bnhv.org. Members should make their reservation by phone in order to receive the discounted ticket price.
Interested in buying a table and reserving a First Lady? Purchase a table of 10 ($300, a $50 discount) and reserve your favorite First Lady today. You can use your chosen First Lady as a table theme; costumes are not required, but encouraged. In the event of a snowstorm, the First Ladies Tea will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 21. Guests who have RSVP’d will be notified if the event has been postponed.
Interested in learning how to timber frame? Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is hosting a winter-long Timber Framing Workshop with classes continuing through March 31. Classes are held Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Come to as few or as many as you can. Students are encouraged to attend all classes to achieve the most benefit. Classes are held inside the Steffen Educational Building.
Timber Framing Workshop students will build a 24×16 barn to be dismantled and erected in BNHV’s farmstead in the spring. A trained and experienced instructor, Scott Schotz, will be facilitating each class. The workshop is $175 for non-BNHV members (you will receive an individual membership), and $150 for BNHV members. Some woodworking/carpentry experience is helpful, and all timber and tools are provided. Students must be able to lift timbers with assistance and must be at least 18 years old to participate. A certificate of completion will be provided. Space is very limited and reservations are encouraged. For more information, please contact Scott Schotz at ss*****@bn**.org or (716) 689-1440, ext. 7721.
Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village is located at 3755 Tonawanda Creek Road in Amherst. For more information, please call (716) 689-1440 or visit www.bnhv.org.