The Barefoot Historian & Co.

16/04/2025

I bought the most beautiful little mid 19th century pillbox/vinaigrette for my Godey’s reproduction Ladies Ribbon Chatelaine. Contrary to the name, a Victorian vinaigrette was actually designed to smell quite nice! A small bit of fabric or wool would have been soaked in perfume, placed in the vinaigrette, and then worn either on broach, a chatelaine, or on a necklace. It’s a common misconception that Victorians smelled awful because “they didn’t bathe”. Victorians might not have taken a plunge bath daily but they certainly did use a wash basin for regular washing of “sticky bits” and wore pieces of fragranced jewelry like this pretty little vinaigrette. As a lifelong academic, I LOVE that it’s shaped like a book! 😍.

30/03/2025

28/03/2025

I bought this antique fixture two years ago. I finally restored it, wired it, and installed it on our 1850’s home…it’s just as perfect as I knew it would be when I originally found it. It’s these types of projects that make me love our home, more and more, every day. Also, finally found a really awesome flame candle (not the one pictured)!

24/03/2025

Victorians have the biggest balls 🤪🤣… and this one is going to be huge! Kicking up our heels to help raise money for the preservation of the monuments on the Gettysburg Battlefield.
This green silk gown is a labor of love. As any project should be, it’s a testament to the convergence of dedication, practice, and education (a constant pursuit). This hobby/profession isn’t for the faint of heart. To do it right, you don’t get to simply phone it in…and like everything in life, “anything worth doing, is worth doing well.” I encourage everyone to find your craft-that thing that makes your heart happy, hone your craft, and demand excellence from yourself. Hold yourself accountable!

16/03/2025

Spent the day in Gettysburg recruiting for new reenactors. It felt good to be back with our weirdo people. Since we were there then it only made sense to stop by Lee’s Headquarters on the Gettysburg Battlefield to take some photos. As an aside, my dress-based off of an original fashion plate-got its first road test! I completely forgot that St. Patrick’s Day is Monday, but my emerald green gown was the perfect ensemble! The season begins!

27/11/2024

19/09/2024

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

The Molly Pitcher Birthday Bash is coming up on Saturday, October 12th from 2-6pm and we are thrilled to be able to offer cemetery tours with The Barefoot Historian & Co. at the Old Cemetery on E South Street at: 4pm / 5pm / 6pm! Tours are: $10 with the proceeds going to our High Street Mural Fund.

Click on the link below to reserve your cemetery tour now!
Sign Up Here: https://www.thebarefoothistorian.com/booking-calendar/cemetery-tour-molly-pitcher-s-birthday?referral=service_list_widget

11/06/2024

I’ve been working on a special project for a dear friend and wanted to get a little bit of inspiration for decorative finishes…when in doubt, I always go back to originals! I’m so thankful that I have original copies of Peterson’s Magazines to use for reference! Her ensemble is going to be amazing 🥰