1812 re-enactor to exhibit period sewing implements March 17-18 on Great Lakes Seaway Trail

Living history re-enactor Ted Schofield of Chaumont makes his own War of 1812 and Civil War uniforms by hand using period reproduction sewing implements. He says, "I do all hand work now to be more authentic in my interpretation of the 1812 period."

On March 17 and 18, as part of the unique Great Lakes Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway War of 1812 Bicentennial Quilt Show event in Sackets Harbor, Schofield will display his collection of tools, iron needles, scissors, buttons, binding, threads, fabric swatches (including linsey-woolsey), and a rose blanket and homespun blanket common to the early 19th century time.

At the show, Schofield will be dressed in period costume, selecting from his interpretations of a New York state militiaman, a U.S. naval enlistee or an 1812 civilian. He will be joined by living history interpreters from the Fort La Presentation Association of Ogdensburg; Genesee Country Village and Museum of Mumford; the Sackets Harbor Battlefield Alliance; and quilters in early 19th century American and English Regency period dress.

The "cot-to-coffin-sized" quilts coming from 18 U.S. states and Canada will be displayed in three 1812-period historic buildings: the former Union Hotel, now the Great Lakes Seaway Trail Discovery Center; the Sackett Mansion; and the Samuel F. Hooker House/Arts Center.

The $5 admission benefits the Seaway Trail Foundation. The show is co-sponsored by Orleans County Tourism and the 22-mile Country Barn Quilt Trail loop off the Great Lakes Seaway Trail at Kendall, to barns painted with quilt block patterns.

Quilting is a cultural heritage tourism theme for traveling the 518-mile-long Great Lakes Seaway Trail byway in New York and Pennsylvania. For itineraries and more information, contact Show Manager Lynette Lundy-Beck at 315-646-1000, ext.203, or visit www.seawaytrail.com/quilting.