Suitcases are being packed for Labor Day weekend – a sign that summer is coming to a close and fall is knocking on our door. I am being whisked away to the Homestead National Monument of America in the gorgeous state of Nebraska for the Homesteader Reunion Weekend that takes place over the holiday weekend. The event celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Homestead Act of 1862 through various living history programs.
These programs include talks by living homesteaders and modern homesteaders – such as myself! I will be talking about my book Modern Homestead. My presentations will cover my family’s history of homesteading Oregon in the mid 1800’s and how that has shaped the modern lifestyle I’m living today on a 1/10th of an acre in Portland, Oregon. My talks will also give people plenty of ideas on what they can get started with this season to get their homestead up and running.
All of the events are free and open to the public. It is really a fantastic opportunity to dig deeper into our history, hear some wonderful stories, and learn more about how we can combine the homesteading roots with our busy modern lives. You can find more details about the weekend event by checking out the Living Homesteader Reunion Weekend page.
I am so excited to meet some new homesteading green thumbs, swap stories about chasing livestock and perhaps pick up some new recipes for fall canning. The Homestead Museum is located on the first tall grass prairie preservation in the country, so it should be a beautiful setting for an enriching event. If you are in the area or know someone who might be interested, spread the word!
Oh wow! I am heading back to visit my family homestead in Nebraska on Sunday – maybe I will see if we can make it all the way to Beatrice by the 3pm. My mom and I would both love it, though the 7 month old baby may not appreciate the extended drive. Hope to make it; would love to meet you.
Anna, that would be so fun if you came by to say hello! My talk Sunday is at 2:00 and I’ll focus on designing the homestead – maximizing spaces & creating beautiful landscapes.