Lauren Muney will speak on a distinguished panel of practical (embodied, hands-on, phenomenological) historian-craftspeople and researchers discussing the value of technical crafts work in museums:

“Beyond the text”, Part 1- "The text is the first step not the end"

"This session, the first of two round tables, explores the conjunction of scholarly research and Public History in a revolutionary way to understand the past. In this round table, speakers from Colonial Williamsburg, William and Mary, and NIAHD, will discuss the “theory & philosophy” of Public History. The goal of the session is to examine the many ways we can expand upon the scholarly research undertaken in the academy, using it as a launching point for accessing the past through multidisciplinary techniques. Often these techniques of understanding are undocumented, therefore the past can only be accessed through embodied and phenomenological activity. The concept of material culture as an archive that can be read like text will be discussed, as well as the psycho-physical interaction of the maker. The panel will discuss how these embodied techniques of ‘knowing’ provide engagement by a wider audience, one often unable to access formal research and study. The panel will examine suggestions for how this learning can be embodied in physical action and passed on through public engagement in accessible ways."

“For 2026: Virginia’s Revolutionary Histories & Beyond”

In 2026 the United States of America will mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This is an unparalleled opportunity for exploring and reflecting upon the American past, the foundation of the nation, and its legacy into the present. Complex, inspiring, and often violent, this period informs our experience as Americans today. The better we understand that past, the better we are equipped to understand ourselves, address the challenges we face, and seize opportunities for the future.

Press release:

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (Aug. 28, 2024) – The Omohundro Institute of Early American History & Culture, in partnership with William & Mary and The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, is pleased to announce the third conference in its highly successful five-year "For 2026" series. “Virginia’s Revolutionary Histories & Beyond” will examine the Commonwealth’s distinctive role in the American Revolution of 1776-1783 and its influence on local and global communities. The conference will run Oct. 25–26, 2024.

A preconference day of workshops and experiences for K-12 teachers and museum educators will take place on Oct. 24. “As our country’s first university, William & Mary shaped the ideals of our early republic. Today, we are united by our commitment to sustain this pluralistic democracy in the 21st century, through open debate, fierce pursuit of facts, and above all, respect for one another,” said Katherine A. Rowe, President of William & Mary. “Year three of our ‘For 2026’ series uncovers new histories of the U.S. Revolution. Along with our partners in Williamsburg, we aim to illuminate our nation’s future by expanding our understanding of its past.” “Colonial Williamsburg is uniquely positioned to bring together academic history and public history, translating the world-class work of our staff historians, curators, archaeologists and preservationists into public-facing programming that inspires people to get curious about their own history,” said Cliff Fleet, president and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. “As we look forward to the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, Colonial Williamsburg is honored to contribute our expertise to the ‘For 2026’ conference to make history more accessible and more relevant to an ever-widening audience.”

In the lead up to the American Semiquincentennial, the “For 2026” series explores our nation’s founding. Scholars, public historians, educators, students and community members come together for robust conversations about our shared history and the challenges our country faced then — and still faces today. “Virginia’s Revolutionary Histories & Beyond” will investigate political, intellectual and social change in the Old Dominion and how those changes impacted the nation and world. The conference showcases a mix of researcher-to-researcher panels, public audience events, roundtable discussions, site visits, workshops and plenary sessions. Scholarly daytime panels at the W&M School of Education will include a wide range of topics, such as the legacies of Williamsburg Bray School students in Revolutionary Virginia, the formation of the Virginia Gazette and “Lawyers, Guns, and Money.”

William & Mary’s Office of Strategic Cultural Partnerships is a key organizer of the conference. “Strategic Cultural Partnerships is honored to convene this broad array of individuals and organizations,” said Ann Marie Stock, presidential liaison for Strategic Cultural Partnerships. “Together we enhance the understanding of our nation’s history and generate ideas for building our collective future. Meaningful teaching and learning take place through collaboration and that is a hallmark of this notable event.

Guest Artist: Oct 5-6 / Oct 12-13, 2024

10:00am-7pm daily on these days
Come visit one of the premier events in the Washington, DC/Baltimore region - the 46th Annual Maryland Renaissance Festival. Travel back to the 16th century to see the court life and villagers surrounding King Henry VIII played out so well, that you would swear you stepped back in time to a rural village where the powerful English king is visiting with his courtly entourage.

Lauren Muney of Silhouettes By Hand will be a guest artist on Oct 5-6, and Oct 12-13, located in a tent near the Boar’s Head Tavern and the Market Stage.

About the artisan process:

The artists at the Festival have all undergone a jury process, being selected from several thousand who have applied over the years. Each year new artisans are juried from almost one hundred new applicants to fill spaces that rarely become available, either as full time exhibitors or Guest Merchants in the Festival’s limited run shops. The Maryland Renaissance festival combines the unique and varied artisans with a village full of entertainment, pageantry, foods and beverages in a 16th century English village with activities and attractions for the whole family.

Guest Artist: Oct 5-6 / Oct 12-13, 2024

10:00am-7pm daily on these days
Come visit one of the premier events in the Washington, DC/Baltimore region - the 46th Annual Maryland Renaissance Festival. Travel back to the 16th century to see the court life and villagers surrounding King Henry VIII played out so well, that you would swear you stepped back in time to a rural village where the powerful English king is visiting with his courtly entourage.

Lauren Muney of Silhouettes By Hand will be a guest artist on Oct 5-6, and Oct 12-13, located in a tent near the Boar’s Head Tavern and the Market Stage.

About the artisan process:

The artists at the Festival have all undergone a jury process, being selected from several thousand who have applied over the years. Each year new artisans are juried from almost one hundred new applicants to fill spaces that rarely become available, either as full time exhibitors or Guest Merchants in the Festival’s limited run shops. The Maryland Renaissance festival combines the unique and varied artisans with a village full of entertainment, pageantry, foods and beverages in a 16th century English village with activities and attractions for the whole family.

The finest traditional craftspeople come together on the grounds of George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate to bring you the highest-quality handmade work in a historical setting.

Colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and sell traditional wares such as baskets, woodcarvings, tin and ironwork, leather-workings, weavings, furniture, and much more. General Washington will be on hand overseeing the festivities: 18th-century entertainment including music, a balloon-launch, fire-eating, puppet and magic shows, plus hearty specialty food for sale on site.

Silhouettes By Hand has been a favorite artisan at this event for many years, creating silhouette portraits and selling the finest rare frames for the historically inspired visitors and guests.

The Event link is here: http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/colonial-market-fair/

George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Museum website is here, including maps, fascinating facts, other events through the year, and its own app: http://www.mountvernon.org/

The Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums

The 2024 ALHFAM Annual Meeting & Conference

Hosted by Howell Living History Farm
September 9 - 10, Virtual Symposium with Papers and Panels

Curating Living History: Preserving Skills and Intangible Culture

Introduction

For those who use living history to preserve the work, play, stories, traditions, and lifeways of times past, the ability to transfer knowledge and skills from one generation of practitioners to another is of critical importance.

How do we ensure that the living, intangible cultural heritage held in our hands is as safely and comprehensively kept as the material culture that supports and reflects it? Can the historical skills of a farmer, miller, butcher or tailor be collected, registered, curated and preserved like the tools and equipment they use?

During ALHFAM's 2024 annual conference, stakeholders from museums of all kinds are invited to explore the ways that curatorial methods, succession planning, and the development of strategic skill training and transfer systems can help us preserve the intangible cultural heritage that is the heartbeat of living history.

The theme will be explored during a two-part conference that will use hands-on training workshops as the inspiration for keynotes, papers and roundtable discussions that will engage all participants in the work of strengthening the standards, best practices and professional skills needed to preserve living history’s invaluable intangible culture.

Part II: September 9 – 10 will be a virtually held symposium with both live and recorded presentations. It will begin with a presentation and evaluation of workshop documentation produced by the Conference Committee and volunteer contributors, followed by theme-related sessions and roundtables. The virtual session will conclude with the debut of the updated ALHFAM Skill & Knowledgebase (A.S.K.) presented by members of Princeton University’s I.T. Department, who are assisting ALHFAM with improvements to the database that will allow for the storage and searching of photographs, videos, an audio library and other digital assets.

FRIDAY, 5pm-8pm

TBA special Friday night theme:
Special guest Lauren Muney of Silhouettes by Hand will also be here! Lauren  specializes in presenting “experiential history” and live demonstrations about the traditional, historic trade of silhouette portraiture. In less than two minutes, a silhouette appears—as if by magic—from the paper. But it is not magic—it is the very skilled scissors of a silhouette artist who creates works of art from paper without drawing first! Guests will have the opportunity for their silhouette to be cut on a first come, first serve basis.

SATURDAY 9am - 4pm

Included with purchase of a Historic Grounds Tour ($2.50 for adults, $1.50 for 65+ and $1 for under 18) • FREE for Museum Members

Join us for a whole new season of programming - TBA the special theme!

Special guest Lauren Muney of Silhouettes by Hand will also be here! Lauren  specializes in presenting “experiential history” and live demonstrations about the traditional, historic trade of silhouette portraiture. In less than two minutes, a silhouette appears—as if by magic—from the paper. But it is not magic—it is the very skilled scissors of a silhouette artist who creates works of art from paper without drawing first! Guests will have the opportunity for their silhouette to be cut on a first come, first serve basis.

The Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums

The 2024 ALHFAM Annual Meeting & Conference

Hosted by Howell Living History Farm
June 7 - 10, 2024 in Titusville, New Jersey
And September 9 - 10, Virtual Symposium with Papers and Panels

Curating Living History: Preserving Skills and Intangible Culture

Introduction

For those who use living history to preserve the work, play, stories, traditions, and lifeways of times past, the ability to transfer knowledge and skills from one generation of practitioners to another is of critical importance.

How do we ensure that the living, intangible cultural heritage held in our hands is as safely and comprehensively kept as the material culture that supports and reflects it? Can the historical skills of a farmer, miller, butcher or tailor be collected, registered, curated and preserved like the tools and equipment they use?

During ALHFAM's 2024 annual conference, stakeholders from museums of all kinds are invited to explore the ways that curatorial methods, succession planning, and the development of strategic skill training and transfer systems can help us preserve the intangible cultural heritage that is the heartbeat of living history.

The theme will be explored during a two-part conference that will use hands-on training workshops as the inspiration for keynotes, papers and roundtable discussions that will engage all participants in the work of strengthening the standards, best practices and professional skills needed to preserve living history’s invaluable intangible culture.

Part I: June 7 – 10 will be a 4-day in-person forum based at Rider University in Hopewell Township, New Jersey. It will include presentations on curatorial tools and methods, hands-on workshops, meetings of professional interest groups, and both formal and informal networking opportunities. Half-day and full-day workshops will serve as a means of skill sharing and transfer, as well as opportunities for participants to learn about and contribute to the documentation of workshop content conducted by members of the Conference Committee.

Part II: September 9 – 10 will be a virtually held symposium with both live and recorded presentations. It will begin with a presentation and evaluation of workshop documentation produced by the Conference Committee and volunteer contributors, followed by theme-related sessions and roundtables. The virtual session will conclude with the debut of the updated ALHFAM Skill & Knowledgebase (A.S.K.) presented by members of Princeton University’s I.T. Department, who are assisting ALHFAM with improvements to the database that will allow for the storage and searching of photographs, videos, an audio library and other digital assets.

Lauren Muney of Silhouettes by Hand will be a fellow (researcher) in residence at Colonial Williamsburg. Part I of the fellowship has passed, commencing research using the Museum Collections and the John D. Rockefeller Library at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

This is Part II:
Lauren interpreting itinerant silhouette portraiture of the late 18th and early 19th century, especially regarding on the itinerancy (traveling) process for an artist. She will be located in the Bookbinder shop on Duke of Gloucester Street in the Historic District on the following days:
April 4, 8, 11, 13 (all mornings), 15 (afternoon)
She may take on more days and times depending on the schedule,
She also may be seen as a helper brewing beer in the Palace Kitchen on April 7.


—————————-
2023 Press release:

RARE HISTORICAL ARTISAN RECEIVES RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Williamsburg, VA -- Colonial Williamsburg Foundation announces the winner of its international experimental archeology research fellowship 2023: Baltimore, Maryland-based historical artisan Lauren Muney of “Silhouettes By Hand” will be researching independent traveling artists and their activities in the 18th century, basing her research on the own beloved portrait form: silhouette portraits. 

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation–EXARC Fellowship advances the investigation and interpretation of archaeological and experimental archaeological heritage by supporting research and scholarship through a partnership between EXARC, the international organization of Archaeological Open-Air Museums (AOAM) and Experimental Archaeology, and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Silhouettes have been beloved for hundreds of years, and are iconic to American history - especially the early American history. Silhouettes were the portraits of the common people before the invention of photography; silhouette artists traveled the countryside, by foot, horseback, cart, in early America. Many of these artists worked “freehand” - creating silhouettes using only scissors and paper.

Lauren Muney uses this same method; she looks at her sitter, and uses only scissors to create a remarkable likeness - without using shadows or using any machinery - in the same way that traditional silhouettes artists have been producing for hundreds of years. However, there is no magic: Lauren Muney is a skilled artisan who has created thousands of silhouettes in this same freehand-scissored method, using only the scissors to “draw” the silhouette. Ms. Muney is self-taught in her silhouette skills.

Ms. Muney, a designer, producer, and consultant, is one of only a handful of freehand-scissoring silhouette artists working in the world. Lauren Muney specializes in helping visitors experience the past by participating in their own historical portrait. Ms. Muney has been featured in regional, national and international events, fairs, and museums, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Museum, Smithsonian Institution, The Henry Ford, and many other international museums, events, and even public art. She is a ten-time Master Traditional Artist, listed in the Directory of Traditional American Crafts, and was been one of the silhouette artists interviewed in the multi-award-winning British documentary “Silhouette Secrets”. Lauren has also been an international guest artisan at the Lost Trades Fair in Victoria, Australia for four years. She is active supporting and producing skills learning opportunities in the international organization the Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums (ALHFAM). She is also a member of EXARC and the Association of the International Museums of Agriculture (AIMA).

As an independent research fellow at Colonial Williamsburg, Ms. Muney will be granted special access to the Foundation’s collection of artifacts and research materials, work directly with the Historic Trades department to connect her research to the many trades which would have assisted an itinerant entrepreneur, and will have the opportunity to experiment with fabricating  items used by her traditional artist trade. She will also interpret her silhouette trade directly with guests during her residency.

For more information on Lauren Muney’s work, including seeing galleries of silhouettes and an overview of the history of silhouettes, please visit www.silhouettesbyhand.com 

For more information on Colonial Williamsburg, please visit this About Colonial Williamsburg page.

For information on experimental archeology,
visit About EXARC

https://exarc.net/cwf-exarc-fellowship

https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/learn/research-and-education/fellowships/

Lauren Muney of Silhouettes by Hand will be a researcher in residence at Colonial Williamsburg. Part I will be researching using the collections and library at Colonial Williamsburg. Part II will include some type of public history interpretation.


Press release:

RARE HISTORICAL ARTISAN RECEIVES RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Williamsburg, VA -- Colonial Williamsburg Foundation announces the winner of its international experimental archeology research fellowship 2023: Baltimore, Maryland-based historical artisan Lauren Muney of “Silhouettes By Hand” will be researching independent traveling artists and their activities in the 18th century, basing her research on the own beloved portrait form: silhouette portraits. 

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation–EXARC Fellowship advances the investigation and interpretation of archaeological and experimental archaeological heritage by supporting research and scholarship through a partnership between EXARC, the international organization of Archaeological Open-Air Museums (AOAM) and Experimental Archaeology, and the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Silhouettes have been beloved for hundreds of years, and are iconic to American history - especially the early American history. Silhouettes were the portraits of the common people before the invention of photography; silhouette artists traveled the countryside, by foot, horseback, cart, in early America. Many of these artists worked “freehand” - creating silhouettes using only scissors and paper.

Lauren Muney uses this same method; she looks at her sitter, and uses only scissors to create a remarkable likeness - without using shadows or using any machinery - in the same way that traditional silhouettes artists have been producing for hundreds of years. However, there is no magic: Lauren Muney is a skilled artisan who has created thousands of silhouettes in this same freehand-scissored method, using only the scissors to “draw” the silhouette. Ms. Muney is self-taught in her silhouette skills.

Ms. Muney, a designer, producer, and consultant, is one of only a handful of freehand-scissoring silhouette artists working in the world. Lauren Muney specializes in helping visitors experience the past by participating in their own historical portrait. Ms. Muney has been featured in regional, national and international events, fairs, and museums, including George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and Museum, Smithsonian Institution, The Henry Ford, and many other international museums, events, and even public art. She is a ten-time Master Traditional Artist, listed in the Directory of Traditional American Crafts, and was been one of the silhouette artists interviewed in the multi-award-winning British documentary “Silhouette Secrets”. Lauren has also been an international guest artisan at the Lost Trades Fair in Victoria, Australia for four years. She is active supporting and producing skills learning opportunities in the international organization the Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums (ALHFAM). She is also a member of EXARC and the Association of the International Museums of Agriculture (AIMA).

As an independent research fellow at Colonial Williamsburg, Ms. Muney will be granted special access to the Foundation’s collection of artifacts and research materials, work directly with the Historic Trades department to connect her research to the many trades which would have assisted an itinerant entrepreneur, and will have the opportunity to experiment with fabricating  items used by her traditional artist trade. She will also interpret her silhouette trade directly with guests during her residency.

For more information on Lauren Muney’s work, including seeing galleries of silhouettes and an overview of the history of silhouettes, please visit www.silhouettesbyhand.com 

For more information on Colonial Williamsburg, please visit this About Colonial Williamsburg page.

For information on experimental archeology,
visit About EXARC

https://exarc.net/cwf-exarc-fellowship

https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/learn/research-and-education/fellowships/

Guest Artist: Oct 22-23, 2023

10:00am-7pm daily on these days
Come visit one of the premier events in the Washington, DC/Baltimore region - the 46th Annual Maryland Renaissance Festival. Travel back to the 16th century to see the court life and villagers surrounding King Henry VIII played out so well, that you would swear you stepped back in time to a rural village where the powerful English king is visiting with his courtly entourage.

Lauren Muney of Silhouettes By Hand will be a guest artist on Oct 14-15, and possibly TBD on another weekend.

About the artisan process:

The artists at the Festival have all undergone a jury process, being selected from several thousand who have applied over the years. Each year new artisans are juried from almost one hundred new applicants to fill spaces that rarely become available, either as full time exhibitors or Guest Merchants in the Festival’s limited run shops. The Maryland Renaissance festival combines the unique and varied artisans with a village full of entertainment, pageantry, foods and beverages in a 16th century English village with activities and attractions for the whole family.

Guest Artist: Oct 14-15, 2023

10:00am-7pm daily on these days
Come visit one of the premier events in the Washington, DC/Baltimore region - the 46th Annual Maryland Renaissance Festival. Travel back to the 16th century to see the court life and villagers surrounding King Henry VIII played out so well, that you would swear you stepped back in time to a rural village where the powerful English king is visiting with his courtly entourage.

Lauren Muney of Silhouettes By Hand will be a guest artist on Oct 14-15, and possibly TBD on another weekend.

About the artisan process:

The artists at the Festival have all undergone a jury process, being selected from several thousand who have applied over the years. Each year new artisans are juried from almost one hundred new applicants to fill spaces that rarely become available, either as full time exhibitors or Guest Merchants in the Festival’s limited run shops. The Maryland Renaissance festival combines the unique and varied artisans with a village full of entertainment, pageantry, foods and beverages in a 16th century English village with activities and attractions for the whole family.

The finest traditional craftspeople come together on the grounds of George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate to bring you the highest-quality handmade work in a historical setting.

Colonial-attired artisans demonstrate 18th-century crafts and sell traditional wares such as baskets, woodcarvings, tin and ironwork, leather-workings, weavings, furniture, and much more. General Washington will be on hand overseeing the festivities: 18th-century entertainment including music, a balloon-launch, fire-eating, puppet and magic shows, plus hearty specialty food for sale on site.

Silhouettes By Hand has been a favorite artisan at this event for many years, creating silhouette portraits and selling the finest rare frames for the historically inspired visitors and guests.

The Event link is here: http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/calendar/events/colonial-market-fair/

George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Museum website is here, including maps, fascinating facts, other events through the year, and its own app: http://www.mountvernon.org/