Biscuits, blacksmiths and Buffalo Soldiers - 3/9-14

The sights, scents and sounds of frontier times will roll across the grounds of the Pioneer Museum in Fredericksburg as the Gillespie County Historical Society celebrates Spring Break March 9 through 14, 2009.

Families can take part in typical frontier activities all six days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Scheduled exhibits include blacksmithing, spinning, quilting, fence building, and rope making. Buffalo Soldiers, Texas Rangers, Mountain Men and Lakota Sioux Indians will share their culture and history. Kids can sit in a one-room schoolhouse, taste biscuits from an authentic chuckwagon, and make old-fashioned cornhusk dolls.

On Friday and Saturday, Elsie's Country Store will serve tasty cakes, cookies, ice cream, lemonade and their signature dish - koch kase, or German cooked cheese.

"This week makes the museum come alive," said Liz Brookshire, Programs Manager. "People who haven't visited us in a while will be pleased to see the changes, our new entrance, and the beautiful new Museum Store."

For many visitors it will be their first time to see the new Museum Store at the corner of Milam and Main Streets. The store features an expanded and freshly-stocked collection of history books, T-shirts, gifts, classic games and toys.

During Spring Break week, the museum's regular exhibits and buildings also will be open for viewing. Visitors can walk through one a smokehouse, blacksmith shop, and an original Sunday House.

Admission to Spring Break activities is the regular Pioneer Museum fee of $5 for adults; $3 for ages 6 through 17, and 5 and under free.

Fredericksburg is a popular destination any time of year, and especially in the springtime. This hill country town is famous for its German heritage, shopping, dining, and architecture. The new entrance to the Pioneer Museum is located right on Main Street, at 325 West Main. Parking is free.

The exact schedule of the pioneer demonstrators will vary day by day. The public is invited to call ahead to get more details of each day’s events. Learn more by calling 830-997-2835