July 2025

July Newsletter

It’s July, and the air is thick with both heat and history. In a month that holds the nation’s most symbolic date, we find ourselves surrounded by reminders of what brought us here—both literally and figuratively. From the echo of cannon fire at Bunker Hill to the elegance of a Regency promenade, June was full of movement, connection, and shared love for the past.

Now, as we move into high summer, we’re excited to share what’s new: a product inspired by 18th-century refreshment, a hometown partnership that brings history to the stacks, and reflections on the ideals that shaped a nation.

So pour a cool drink, find a shady spot, and enjoy this month’s glimpse into the world of Samson Historical.

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On the Road Again

June took us far and wide—with trunks packed, trailers hitched, and our calendar full. Our team split forces once more to attend two major events, each one offering a unique lens into the past and a chance to connect with new and familiar faces alike.

First stop: the Battle of Bunker Hill, where reenactors gathered to commemorate the clash that ignited a revolution. Beneath tents and against the roar of cannon fire, we shared our goods and our passion with visitors eager to experience the 18th century firsthand. From conversations about historic tailoring to questions about shaving kits and canteens, there was no shortage of thoughtful curiosity.

The following week, lace and linen took center stage at the Jane Austen Festival. Our Regency tent made its return, filled to the brim with empire waists, silk ribbons, and a sewing team ready for action. Surrounded by fans of fiction and fashion alike, it was a weekend of elegance, sun hats, and spirited discussion—often in accents that would have made Miss Austen smile.

These kinds of weekends are what we live for: hard work, long drives, and the immense satisfaction of seeing history come alive for others. Whether you purchased a gown, stopped for a chat, or asked about a fabric swatch—we’re grateful you were part of it.

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A Sharp Sip of Summer

Beat the heat with the wisdom of our ancestors. Shrubs were a clever way to preserve the harvest, especially soft fruits like berries or citrus that spoiled quickly. Sometimes called drinking vinegar, this syrupy blend of tart and sweet was equally at home in the farmhouse kitchen or the drawing room.

Cut with cold water, it makes a refreshing and hydrating tonic. Add a splash of rum or brandy, and you’ve got a festive punch for warm summer nights.

Six varieties are available for preorder now and will be in stock early next week—just in time for your next toast to history.

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Stacks of History

This summer, we partnered with our hometown library—the Lebanon Public Library—to bring a touch of the 18th century to the stacks. Together, we filled three separate display cases, each offering a different glimpse into life during the colonial era.

The first case, located in the foyer, packs a patriotic punch. Titled “Continental Soldier,” it showcases what a soldier might have carried with him during the Revolutionary War. Curated by Abbie and Payton Samson, the display features everything from personal effects to tools of the trade, inviting viewers to step into a soldier’s worn shoes for just a moment.

Beyond the entrance, two additional cases take on the feel of mini museums. Using original 18th-century items from the Samson collection, these displays offer a rare look at everyday life in early America. Tableware, children’s marbles, spectacles, original prints, cooking tools, and more are presented with care—each piece a quiet artifact of the past, now shared with a new generation of the curious.

And there’s more to come: on July 10th, we’ll be back at the library for a Family Game Night, where we’ll teach colonial games that are just as fun now as they were two centuries ago. From strategy to silliness, there’s something for all ages—and all are welcome.

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The Fourth of July

“…It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other…”
— John Adams

That sounds a lot like how we celebrate the Fourth of July today. But Adams was actually referring to July 2nd, the day Congress approved the resolution for independence.

He may have been off by a couple of days, but the “pomp and illuminations” he envisioned are still with us—nearly 249 years later. This week, as fireworks fly and bells ring, we honor both the spirit and the bold ideas that sparked a nation.

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From the Vernacular

Indefatigable (adjective)
Not to be wearied; not to be tired out.
— Samuel Johnson, A Dictionary of the English Language (1755)

This word, though still in use today, was a favorite among 18th-century writers describing leaders, laborers, and revolutionaries alike. In a time of long marches, late-night debates, and hand-penned correspondence, to be “indefatigable” was to press on—mind, body, and spirit—despite hardship or exhaustion.

Whether applied to a statesman defending liberty, a soldier enduring a campaign, or a printer setting type by candlelight, “indefatigable” spoke to more than just stamina. It was a virtue.

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Feature Film: A Night to Remember

Thank you to all who attended our recent movie night featuring The American Miracle. It was a wonderful evening of shared history, thoughtful conversation, and community—right here in our hometown.

We’re especially grateful to those who traveled to join us, and to Dan and Kelly Shippey, whose friendship and presence made the night truly special. Dan’s insightful portrayal of George Washington, followed by a Q&A conducted in character, left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. It was the kind of moment that lingers—a rare blend of education, performance, and connection.

To those who joined us: thank you for making it a night we won’t soon forget.