2009 Events

Period Egg Dyeing Workshop 

Saturday, March 21, 2009 
In conjunction with the Delaware Cooperative Extension, Greenbank Mill will hold a hands-on workshop on Natural and Period Egg Dyes. We will discuss the proper way to cook, blow out and dye eggshells; natural and period dyes used in colonial times; dye techniques; and how to grow your own dyes. The class is limited to the first 25 participants. The fee is $25 per person and includes the cost of materials.

 Shearing Day

April 18, 2009
Take part in Greenbank’s Annual Shearing Day. Watch as the wool is sheared from the sheep and then assist as it is processed into textiles. Don’t forget to visit this year’s lambs!

Greenbank’s Fifth Annual Herb and Plant Sale and Garden Festival

April 25, 2009
Between 10 AM and 4 PM, over 50 varieties of unusual as well as favorite herbs will be available. From aloe vera through chamomile, fennel, tarragon, and lots more—including many kinds of basil, scented geraniums, lavender, mint, rosemary, sage, and thyme—choose a selection for your own personalized herb garden.

You may pre-order plants; they will be available for pick-up on the day of the sale. Most of the sturdy plants will be in 4” pots and most will cost $4 each. By pre-ordering, you SAVE 50¢ off the sale day price on each plant. Click here for order form and products sheet. Pre-orders must be received by April 16 and be paid for in advance. The herb sale proceeds benefit Greenbank’s Historic Garden Project.

Herb Sale Order Form [PDF]
Products List [PDF]

Civil War Experience

June 20, 2009

Experience the lives of both soldiers and civilians during the War Between the States. Explore the Union and Confederate camps beside the Red Clay Creek. Learn about the daily activities and equipment of a Civil War soldier. Hear the boom and feel the shudder of the ground when the artillerymen demonstrate how to load and fire. Learn how they load their weapons and how they maintain them to keep them firing. See how the signal corps communicates; visit a military doctor. If the soldier’s life appeals to you, enlist and give it a try. Enlistment officers from either the Union or the Confederacy will sign you up.

Visit the Philips farm and mills to understand how they cope with war. Assist the Ladies Aid Society as they support the soldiers from the homefront. Join the ladies as they prepare a meal, make soap, sew, and perform daily tasks. Or play games or learn how to dance. Don't forget to visit the blacksmith, photographer, and sutler before ending your visit.

See more images in the Civil War Photo Gallery.

18th Century Market Faire and Tavern Night Fundraiser

October 10, 2009

Greenbank Mills & Philips Farm will host an encampment of re-enactors and a recreated 18th century market and artisan fair. Come experience 1781 Delaware for yourself.

• 18th century dancing
• Period games and children’s activities

Discover the world of Revolutionary soldiers and sailors.  Smell the smoke and hear the rumble of musket and artillery drills.  Observe military engineers as they construct fortifications.  Enlist in the militia and try 18th century military life for yourself!

Stroll through the market and investigate what items were available to the 18th century Delawarean.  Examine heritage breeds of livestock and purchase some locally grown produce.  Help the artisans produce items for market.  And be sure to bring enough currency to take some of your favorite items and baked goods home.

Explore the world of food during the Revolution.  Find out what the Philips family grew in their kitchen garden.  Learn how to grow wheat, grind it into flour, and bake it into bread for home and army.  At the Philips house, observe a variety of cooking methods, food preservation techniques, and period dishes.

Philips Family Christmas and Candlelight Tour

December 5, 2009

Spend an evening at the Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm to investigate Christmas in the Early Republic. Compare how various groups have celebrated the holiday through history and then see the differences between the Philips Family and their workers’ traditions. Tours leave every half-hour.

Archaeology Days
Join professional and avocational archaeologists from the Archaeological Society of Delaware as they continue the exploration of Greenbank's buried history. Excavations will occur in the Madison Factory's dye house and around the Philips house.

Useful Minerals
Learn about the minerals that help us in our daily lives and then take a walk with a member of the Delaware Mineralogical Society and search for the state mineral.

Introduction to Spinning Classes
Want to learn how to use a spinning wheel? This is an opportunity to learn the basics, including how to spin wool and trying out different types of wheels. Call 302-999-9001 for information about classes.