Pharsalia’s 2014 Folk Life Festival

If you’ve kept up with our recently posted blogs, then you’ll know about Pharsalia, a historic plantation that brings the past to life for all who visit. 2014 just so happens to be the 200th anniversary of this Virginia landmark, and Foxie Morgan, great-great-granddaughter of the original owner, is inviting you in to celebrate the occasion.

On May 17-18, 2014, Pharsalia will open its doors for the 2014 Folk Life Festival, which will immerse you in the early 19th century. Costumed interpreters will take you through the daily lives of Pharsalia’s original inhabitants, demonstrating chores, period food and drink, music, and storytelling. You’ll have the chance to venture to the smokehouse, the brick kitchen, and the weaving house, where you’ll get a further look at the day-to-day routines of Pharsalia’s historic residents.

Along with the costumed interpreters, the Folk Life Festival will be presenting a number of tradespeople to share their skills and knowledge with attendees:

Jimmy Price: A master limestone plasterer, Jimmy Price is the founder of Virginia Limeworks and is quite accomplished in historic masonry. (His work can even be seen at the White House!)

Tom Burford: Tom Burford is an “heirloom apple expert” and an apple historian with a published book entitled Apples of North America. Tom’s family has grown apples in the area since 1715, so you can bet that he knows his stuff!

Rachel Deddens: Rachel Deddens is a “historian of culinary and herbal knowledge,” and she’ll bring her 19th century cooking to Pharsalia for you to taste.

Paul Saunder: Paul Saunders is a Nelson County author and historian with a deep knowledge of the area. He is the author of Heartbeats of Nelson, and will be sharing his vast knowledge at the Folk Life Festival.

Afton Mountain is, of course, excellent lodging for those who want to attend the festival, so feel free to click here to check availability and book your room.