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Friends of LBL Plan Spring Events at Homeplace

Friends of LBL Plan Spring Events at Homeplace
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By WestKyStar & LBL Staff
Jan. 08, 2018 | GOLDEN POND, KY
By WestKyStar & LBL Staff Jan. 08, 2018 | 09:27 PM | GOLDEN POND, KY
There are no groups of children running around the 1850 Homeplace at Land Between the Lakes. No quilters are sewing a new quilt top. It is the winter season, the facility is closed to visitors, but there is still work to be done.

Friends of Land Between the Lakes' Cindy Earls, the lead interpreter at the 1850 Homeplace Working Farm and Museum, and her staff are planning the next year of programming; dreaming up new ways to introduce a generation accustomed to technology to a simpler way of life. She says “We really celebrate the farm family here.” And by celebrate, she means interpreting a lifestyle from over 150 years ago in a way that is uncommon even for her industry, and making it accessible to visitors of every age.

Smiling with the patience that is her hallmark, Earls contrasts the operating style of the Homeplace to other historic facilities. “We actually do the farm work and operate based on what needs to be done, even during the closed season. Many facilities bring in other people to do the work and have a series of ongoing demonstrations each day.”

While the method is authentic and accurate, it can also have its challenges. A visitor might want to see how a roof is constructed or a blacksmith shop operate on a day when there are no leaks or need to repair a tool, and Earls is incredibly sensitive to the needs of her guests. “We want everyone who visits to have a good experience and come back again, but we also strive to accurately represent a middle class farm family. If a chore is not occurring on a particular day, we are always happy to stop and explain how anything works.”

Earls also cares deeply about education and the role of each member to the family and she is quick to point out that her job is accomplished with “an incredibly talented team of historical interpreters, each of whom bring their own special talents and skills. The staff changes from costumed interpreters to program planners during the winter.” Maintenance of the historic and reproduction collections and animal care are a year-round responsibility.

Earls specifically creates programs for women and children, including games and interactive opportunities. She is also a proponent of free play and loves to see children explore the facilities at the Homeplace. Incorporating music, storytelling and many cultural elements from the time period, Earls is planning even more for 2018, drawing on historical sources and the infinite variety of farm life, she hopes “All of our old friends will come again and bring someone new.”

The Homeplace, along with the Woodlands Nature Station will re-open in March. The Golden Pond Visitor Center and the Elk and Bison Prairie are open year round.
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