Path Through History: Women at Work, Children at Play:
Colonial Textiles and Toys
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
As we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, it’s a perfect time to explore the lives of Revolutionary women and children. During New York State’s Path Through History Weekend, Hurley Heritage Society and the Hurley Library are pleased to offer a day of education and fun—“Women at Work, Children at Play”—on Saturday, October 10th from 1:00 – 4:00 pm.
Elmendorph Handspinners Guild will demonstrate the spinning and weaving of natural fibers on the Hurley Heritage Museum’s front lawn. Transforming sheep’s wool and flax grass into fabric had traditionally been women’s work for centuries. When the British raised taxes on imported cloth in the 1760s, the women led Homespun Movement became essential to the Colonial American economy and war effort. This act of resistance allowed local women to enter the workforce and feed their families when soldier’s pay was delayed or non-existent. Together they held a position of economic and political influence previously unavailable. The American textile industry began here, as women spun and wove uniforms, tents, and ships’ sails.
In addition, historical educator Dawn Elliot will showcase traditional games and toys that entertained families and communities centuries ago. She will also share textile tools for children to try out. During the Revolution, many children worked in the textile industry alongside their mothers. Today in America, the traditional ways of spinning, weaving and dying are considered artisanal crafts. But 250 years ago, women and children spent endless hours expertly working to provide a critical fabric supply.
A Hudson Valley native, Dawn Elliot is an historical interpreter, reenactor, preservationist, educator and researcher. In 2018 Dawn received the prestigious Martha Washington Woman of History Award for contributing to the promotion and preservation of history in the Hudson Valley.
Elmendorph Handspinners Guild is a dynamic and inclusive community deeply committed to preserving and promoting the art of spinning fiber into yarn and all things related to the fiber arts.
Admission is free of charge.
The Hurley Heritage Society Museum is at 52 Main Street, Hurley, NY. The museum’s newest exhibit is “Hurley in the Revolution: History Happened Here.” The Hurley Library is at 48 Main Street, Hurley, NY
The Hurley Heritage Society maintains and operates the Hurley Heritage Museum, free to the public. The organization preserves, protects, educates and celebrates all aspects of Hurley’s unique heritage through programs and events, including public lectures, and seasonal walking tours of Old Hurley.