Mourning and Memory: Spirits of the Paca House in Historic Annapolis, 19 October 2025

Last year when Historic Annapolis asked about a mourning program, I put on my thinking cap and collaborated with the Annapolis Living Historians (ALH) on it. 

Out of our discussions came "Mourning and Memory: Spirits of the Paca House." Visitors stepped back in time as the ALH brought the Paca House to life with stories of loss, remembrance, and tradition. Those who came on the tour spent some time in an immersive guided tour where they traveled through different moments in the life of William Paca, and met some of the people who shaped his world. We were able to show researched vignettes on how early Americans mourned—and remembered.

 

 

 

 

 

We were able to research and represent the years 1766, 1774, 1775, and 1783 in four rooms of the house. We hope that this program will continue next year, and that each tour will be sold out! There was great interest in the program and each tour went through for the 2 hour event. 

 

George Washington Mount Vernon Market Fair 2025

      I must apologize again for getting this article out a couple of months after this event.  The market fair is always a lot of fun, even if it is also work.  Working for the horses, dressing up, and having a fun experience with friends who take time to help me is very appreciated!  This year was no different.  Thank you as well to all who visited my shop and purchased - it all goes back into the business or to my horses.  

  

     We had a lot of fun this year, and even did another silly vignette that was thought of on Saturday morning!  Many will recognize it from growing up watching Charlies Angels!

  

Krista near the lower gardens

 

 

Krista, Me, and Jen 

 

 

Down near the Old Tomb 

 

Debuted my hand painted stockings at this event!

 

"Hold on to your butts."  "Quiet, all of you! They're approaching the Tyrannosaur paddock."  ~ Jurassic Park

 

Liz wearing 1790's with her comfy modern sandals!

 

Sage from Sage & Folly visiting the shop (Robin in what we call the drive-thru window)

Liz, Krista, Me, Gema, and Kerry - cannot do this without them!

Watch Restock and Instructions

      In order to save a bit of money, I'm not adding the usual insert into the packages for those purchasing my watches.  I have found that most people tuck it away and forget where it is, or they accidentally throw it away.  So this post is here to provide them to you.  They are also in the listings, and I can send them to you via email or a convo on Etsy.

 

 

 

The 4th of July at the Paca House and Gardens, Historic Annapolis - 1776/2025

      This year the Annapolis Living Historians were immersed in 1776 with Mr. William Paca returning from Philadelphia to tell the people of Annapolis what took place there.  This year we had several visitors to the house, and Mr. Paca was able to talk to the events leading up to their agreeing to sign a declaration against King George III.  William Paca was a signer of that document.  Our group is honored to be at this house portraying family, friends, and associates.

 

     Photos by Elizabeth Bersche on behalf of the Annapolis Living Historians.
 

Revolutionary War Weekend at George Washington's Mount Vernon - May 2025

      The Revolutionary War Weekend at George Washington's Mount Vernon is the first weekend in May (just one week after the Fort Frederick Market Fair) each year.  It is a very busy time for me and the shop!  This year was no different.

      Mount Vernon is one of my favorite places to be.  I do not live that far, so am able to go home each evening.  It is always nice to be home.  In May, we usually have some rain, so I usually dress in cotton or linens. 

     This year, I had a twin from Samson Historical!  I was honored to be dressed like her.  I am always grateful for those who came to help me set up, sell, and tear down.  I cannot do it without them, and we always have a great time.  There are events that turn hot, it can rain, we can have strong winds, or it can be freezing cold as well.  Braving the elements to help me and my horses is never taken for granted.  My set up is always evolving to make it easier for setup/tear down but also to help my customers find exactly what they need easily.

 

 

 

The Fort Frederick Market Fair, April 2025

      This year the Fort Frederick Market Fair took place as usual at the end of April.  This was, I think, my 10th year selling at this event.  It is an important show for 18th century sutlers (vendors) and buyers as we are all in one place with pretty much all you need to participate in living history, reenacting, costuming, LARP, etc.  It is the best place to find those things you need from clothing, fabric, patterns, accessories (in my shop all you may need for jewelry), military items, rifles, knives, pots, pans, pottery, shoes, and everything inbetween that.  I've been honored to sell there as the friends group does an amazing job of getting us in and out of there efficiently, and the park rangers help when there are any issues.

 

 

     This year I dressed up one day in a 1790 outfit.  It was not only comfortable, but the day I wore it we had such wind that I was able to get some great photos.  My hat and matching sash was made by Miss Benford's Emporium, gown and transition stays made by Pauper's Modiste, and shoes by Rose Galante all found on Etsy.  The outfit was inspired by a portrait of Emilie Seriziat, sister of Margaret Charlotte David with one of her sons.  The portrait below is in the Louvre.

 

 
      The other days, I wore my traditional 18th century gowns.  I usually try to mix things up a bit, and by doing that I extend my wardrobe.  I did not seem to get a photo on Friday, probably because my photographers were not there with me.  Photos were taken by Krista Jasillo and Elizabeth Bersche.

 

 

Garden Party at the Paca House and Gardens and The New York Times, May 2025

      I coordinated and participated in the Annapolis Living Historians annual garden party at the Paca House and Gardens in Historic Annapolis.  This year it was held in May instead of October, and we will be holding it in May from now on.  It is the one event that our group is able to socialize over food and drink, and meet new people who want to possibly join our group.  Visitors to the Paca House came out as we were in the summer house on the grounds.

 

 

     This year we had so many come out, including a reporter visiting Annapolis, and highlighted our group in an article about Annapolis and all of the things to do in town.

      It has been awhile since I had time to post on here, and am sorry it is so late!  Here are some photos of our day - the weather was absolutely beautiful!

 

 

Photos by Elizabeth Bersche on behalf of the Annapolis Living Historians.