The 4th of July at Historic Annapolis, Paca House and Gardens - 250th Anniversary of the United States of America!

      I spent my 4th at the Paca House and Gardens which I have done now for 11 years.  I organize the Annapolis Living Historians to come in and portray the Paca family, friends, work colleagues, and acquaintances that were in Annapolis when the Paca family were living in the house (1765-1781).

The Assembled Company

     It was a very eventful day and evening for me.  There were a record number of people who went through the house, I think more than 500, even with temperatures up to 100 degrees outside.  It was extremely hot, so the day was also cut short to what we were supposed to do.  That allowed us to go down to Galway Bay for a cold hard apple cider and an appetizer.  Overall it was a very busy and fun day.

Wearing my favorite Colonial Williamsburg reproduction fabric - Wavy Floral

     It was 4 July 1776, and we had three of the four signers of the Declaration in the house this day.  Samuel Chase was not there as his wife was deathly ill.

Mr. Carroll of Carrollton and Mr. Paca

     Overall, what a way to celebrate our 250th anniversary of the United States!

Mrs. Carroll of Carrollton

Mrs. and Mr. Stone

Mrs. Ridout, Mrs. Chase, and Mrs. Lloyd

Mr. Carroll of Carrollton, me (I portray Mrs. Carroll whose husband is the Barrister), Mr. Paca, and Denby

Revolutionary War Weekend at George Washington's Mount Vernon, 2-3 May 2026

      Doing back to back shows from the Fort Frederick Market Fair to Revolutionary War weekend is a LOT of work, but so worth it.  I am one of the original sutlers that have been selling at Rev War weekend from the beginning when it started in 2015.  Thanks to Elizabeth Bersche for the wonderful photos!  Thank you as well to all those who visited - we were busy all weekend.

Me

Krista  

Day 2

Kerry

In front of the shop with young reenactors!

Krista

Kerry

23-26 April 2026 - Fort Frederick Market Fair - 30th Anniversary!

      This year I have been selling at the Fort Frederick Market Fair in Big Pool, Maryland for at least 13 years.  I was honored to be there for the 30th anniversary.  I am very appreciative for all that came by the shop to talk and purchase, and being able to be there.  We did have some rain on Saturday, and the tent held up with minimal leaks!

     I had a really great time!  I was not able to get photos for day three this year.  

Day 1 - Photo by Elizabeth Bersche

At the Fort

Day 2

Day 4 in the back of the shop

Kerry

Gema

Kerry and I inside the shop

  

Military Thru the Ages - March 21-22 2026

      I am very late on posting some photos from this year's Military Thru the Ages event at the Jamestown Settlement here in Virginia.  It is a really awesome timeline event that is always fun to be at.  It is a very hard set-up and tear down event, but so much fun.  This year I decided to dress 18th century one day, and early 19th century the next.  Thank you to Elizabeth for getting photos of me and the shop as usual, but also of the event itself!

Me in my 18th century wool jacket and petticoat

Doing the Regency thing!

Mark Schneider

Gema Gonalez

Kerry McClure

Krista Jasillo

Kerry walking with Krista through some of the camps

Never know who we will meet at MTA!

So many centuries within my shop

Museum of the American Revolution - Philadelphia

      I was recently contacted by the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia in which to offer my jewelry and resell my book, Tea in 18th Century America.  I'm honored to announce that they will be offering select items in their gift shop as part of the reopening of the museum this spring.

      I visited the museum in 2017 after participating in the Germantown event at Cliveden.  This event is where I had the iconic picture taken which is now on the back of my book, Tea in 18th Century America, and taken by Robin Matty Gowen.

     For those who visit the museum, look for my jewelry and purchase it! When you purchase there, you support the horses.  

Christmas Illuminations 2025 at George Washington's Mount Vernon

      This post is a bit out of whack in that it is made over a month after the event.  Have been busy with several things with the horses, and just catching up on everything after the show.  It is also the beginning of the year, so getting ready for (whispers here) tax season can have me very focused on other things.

       The show, as usual, was spectacular with our set up, the staff being so accommodating, friends and my sister coming to help me, and visitors coming in to purchase from the shop.  Met up with many that I know, and many that I did not to meet new friends.  It was cold but over time we have learned tricks to stay warm. While the lighting is not "18th century" it works for an evening show.  I am always updating and improving things for the shop, so next year I'll have it even brighter!

 

     I was in a very good spot to capture the end of the evening fireworks in the photo above.

     As usual, thank you to all who support me and my horses.  I could not do it without those who help and purchase from me.  With five horses, my board alone is like another mortgage - but I work really hard to provide quality items to ensure I can take care of these amazing creatures.  I attend five shows a year, sell wholesale to a few museum shops and other sutlers, and am always looking for new opportunities.

     Wanted to share some photos from the show by Elizabeth Bersche, Wendy Tyree, and Gema Gonzalez.  

 

 

Happy New Year 2026!!! The year of the 250th Anniversary of the United States

      I'm remiss in not posting this on New Year's Day, 1 January 2026.  So this is a belated Happy New Year!  I look forward to all of the festivities for the 250th anniversary of the United States.  This year we remember the men, women, and animals that went through war to get our country on the path to FREEDOM.

 

 

Photo taken at the farm on 22 December 2025 - my sign of FREEDOM and great things to come. 

 

Photo taken at George Washington's Mount Vernon in December 2025 for Christmas Illuminations by Elizabeth Bersche 

 

Yuletide with the Pacas - Historic Annapolis - 6 December 2025

      On 6 December, the Annapolis Living Historians (ALH) led a Christmas program at Historic Annapolis in the Paca House and Gardens.  It was 1775, so the resolutions that had been announced in the Maryland Gazette on November 3, 1774 were in effect, which essentially meant no fun. 

 

 

 

 

     We made every effort to continue to talk to the Christmas traditions, food and drink prepared in what could still be had and purchased.  The men were talking about the recent declaration by the Association of Freemen as well as what the battles taking place in the North, and what it will mean for their families in Annapolis.  The thought is that Maryland endorses reunion with Britain as long as they can obtain redress of American grievances - all the while trying to enjoy Mr. Paca’s hospitality and make the best of the Christmas season to Twelfth Night.

 

All jewelry that I am wearing is from my shop, pet n lair given to me made in vintage Waverly fabric, shoes by Anacronicos, and petticoat by Sycamore Spring Clothier

Photo by the ALH

 

 

Backgammon Table set up in the Parlor - Photo by Tim Shanahan on behalf of Historic Annapolis

 

Mrs. Calvert, Mrs. Ogle, Mrs. Carroll of Carrollton, and Mrs. Chase in the Parlor - Photo by Tim Shanahan on behalf of Historic Annapolis

 

 

Mrs. Lloyd and Mrs. Johnson waiting on dinner while sitting in the Dining Room - Photo by the ALH

 

 

Mrs. Carroll, Mrs. Ogle, and Mrs. Lloyd waiting on for the festivities to begin

Photo by the ALH

 

 

 Mr. Hall, Mrs. Carroll (Barrister) and Ms. Paca ready dinner - Photo by the ALH

 

 

 Back of my Pet n Lair and hair - Photo by the ALH

 

Mrs. Ogle, Mrs. Carroll (Barrister), Mrs. Lloyd and Mrs. Carroll of Carrollton dishing the latest tea - Photo by the ALH

  

 

 

Mr. Paca and his "trusted steward," Denby.  Photo by the ALH 

 

 

Sarah plating the latest pie to take upstairs - Photo by Tim Shanahan on behalf of Historic Annapolis 

 

 

Affey grating cinnamon into the chocolate pot - Photo by Tim Shanahan on behalf of Historic Annapolis