April 2024

Spring is in the air and new beginnings on the breeze. For our family, April means the fresh air and the first outdoor events of the year. It also means this is the time we complete repairs and any redesigning of the tent in anticipation of visiting with you in person. Though now you can also shop with us in person at our new storefront in Lebanon, Indiana.

We have heard from many of you since the new 2024 catalog has been sent and appreciate you letting us know they were received! Thanks to those who commented on our social media and blog posts, and watched our YouTube discussions. 

Just a reminder that while Mother's day is May 12th, April is the time to order gifts. We can also ship those directly to your mom if need be. Whether Mom enjoys history, or simply appreciates the simple elegance of artisan made goods, we are happy to help bump you into the favorite spot.

As always, let us know how we can best help you get your hands on the items and history that formed our nation.

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The Time Has Come...

Now that the dust has settled, and the paint has dried, we are excited to announce the grand opening of the Samson Historical storefront on April 20^th from 10 a.m.  until 2 p.m. EST. We would like to extend a personal invitation to you to come explore the new store and receive a behind the scenes tour of our facility. The retail store is entirely ADA accessible, but the tours will require being able to go up stairs.

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Happy Birthday to Maddy!

Please join us in wishing a significant member of the Samson Historical team the happiest of birthdays. Maddy, our shipping and receiving manager, has been a key player in delivering smiles to our team and products to our customers since the year 2020. We hope she has a day as wonderful as she is!

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A Glimpse At 18th Century Eclipses

April 8th was a remarkable day in history as we observed a total eclipse in North America! Located in Lebanon, IN, Samson Historical we had the fortune of being in the path of totality for the event. If you are anything like us, the excitement surrounding the eclipse has made you wonder what such an event would have been like in the 18th Century. There is ample documentation of solar eclipses throughout history, occurring even in the years of the Revolution.

A total eclipse occurred on June 24th of 1778. This eclipse was particularly notable because it passed over a large portion of North America, providing an opportunity for observation and documentation by colonial scientists and figures of the time, including Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson, then residing in Virginia, recorded his observations of the eclipse in a letter to David Rittenhouse, an American astronomer and mathematician:  “We were much disappointed in Virginia generally on the day of the great eclipse, which proved to be cloudy. In Williamsburgh, where it was total, I understand only the beginning was seen.”

Another eclipse followed shortly after in October of 1780. This time, the path of totality would be over Penobscot Bay, which was occupied by British Forces. The American Academy of Arts and Sciences were able to obtain permission to cross enemy lines and in turn documented what would later be identified as Bailey's Beads. Harvard Professor Samuel Williams wrote: “It is but seldom that a total eclipse of the sun is seen in any particular place. A favourable opportunity presenting for viewing one of these eclipses on October 27, 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the University at Cambridge, were desirous to have it properly observed in the eastern parts of the State, where, by calculation, it was expected it would be total."

Another notable observation was that of Benjamin Banneker in 1791. Banneker, a free black tobacco farmer, had a fascination with the sky and became a self-taught astronomer. In April of 1791, he observed an annular solar eclipse. Banneker later went on to publish an almanac and correctly predicted another annular eclipse in the United States, challenging the prejudice of many, including Thomas Jefferson.

As we commemorate these historical events, let us reflect on the resilience and curiosity of those who came before us, inspiring us to continue exploring the wonders of the universe.

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Celebrating Earth Day

April 22nd is Earth Day! This day serves as a global reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve the planet we call home. While the world takes initiatives to “go green”, we embrace the lifestyle of the 18th Century. We trade our plastic bags for frails, our lightbulbs for beeswax candles, and "fast fashion" for the clothing diligently sewn by the hands of our seamstresses to last decades to come.

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National Thomas Jefferson Day

On April 13th, we honor the enduring legacy of one of America's Founding Fathers, whose contributions to the nation continue to shape its ideals and institutions. Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States, left an indelible mark on history through his advocacy for liberty, democracy, and the pursuit of knowledge. 281 years ago this month, Jefferson entered the world, and in his 83 years of life, he managed to make a mark on millions of others.

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The Shot Heard Round The World

249 years ago this month, the shot heard 'round the world rang out, igniting the flames of revolution in the American colonies. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of the American Revolution, forever altering the course of history. In the early hours of that fateful day, tensions between British troops and colonial militia boiled over in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. The exact origin of the first shot remains shrouded in myth and controversy, but its significance reverberated across continents, symbolizing the colonists' fervent desire for liberty and independence from British rule. The events of April 19, 1775, galvanized a disparate group of colonies into a unified force, setting the stage for a long and arduous struggle for freedom that would ultimately shape the destiny of a nation.

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Fort Frederick 18^th Century Market Fair

Fort Frederick Market Fair has a special place in the rhythm of our lives. Some of the best merchants in the country come out of a long winter hibernation to set our tents up and stretch our legs. The trip to Big Pool, Maryland is familiar and just as exciting year after year. For the Samson crew this means repairing shelves, packing enough stock for 4 sales days, and coordinating an 8 person travel plan. The truth is, we can hardly wait!

April 25 - 28
11100 Fort Frederick Rd
Big Pool, MD 21711