NEW BERN, N.C. — North Carolina is filled with rich history. While many big historical events happened in the state, a huge part of its history is in the day-to-day life of the people who lived before us.
Historians at Tryon Palace in New Bern try to bring their traditions back to life through special demonstrations, such as their weaving week earlier this month.
- Tryon Palace Weaving Week showed how clothing was made throughout the years
- These living history demonstrations are meant to show what life was like in the past
- Weavers and spinners say it's not a dying art
Joey Carlton has been spinning and weaving at Tryon Palace ever since she started working there 13 years ago. As a historical interpreter, it's her job to share what life was like in previous centuries. Her favorite topic is how clothes were made throughout the years.
“You have different textiles made of different fibers that make different threads and yarns and cloth,” Carlton said. “In the 18th century, everybody knew where their clothing came from. They either knew how to make it, or they knew somebody who knew how to make it.”
She's mostly self-taught, and according to Carlton, weaving is not a dying art.
“A lot of people today have no idea where their clothes come from,” Carlton said. “You go to Walmart. You buy a T-shirt. You buy a pair of pants. Where did it come from? Probably some place overseas. But somebody somehow had to make that.”
Although a lot of weaving and spinning is now automated, Carlton says it's important to appreciate the work that went into these processes for centuries. Her hope is that visitors not only get excited about how clothing was made in the past, but also have a deeper understanding and respect for how clothing is made today.
“If you are connected to what you wear and what you have on your feet, you have more appreciation for it,” Carlton said.
Tryon Palace is hoping to bring weaving week back in the future. You can often find some of the spinners and weavers set up at the New Bern Farmers Market on Saturday mornings.
Tryon Palace has many other living history demonstrations throughout the year. You can find out more about them on their calendar.