Events at Bracketts

A very wide range of activities are compatible with the many dimensions of Bracketts
Farm. We have plans for programs, demonstrations, and workshops -- and this is our current schedule for the rest of the year. Watch this page for updates and additions.
A calendar listing is here.

Call Louisa County Parks & Recreation to sign up -- at 540.967.4420.

"Hook a Kid on Fishing" Rodeo.
October 2nd @ 10am
Who will hook the biggest catch? Parents/Guardians: Bring your child to Bracketts to find out! Three divisions: beginners 6-8 years old; intermediates 9-11 years old; and advanced 12-14 years old.

Louisa County Open Hearth Cooking Classes: Elaine Taylor
Tuesday Oct_19th @10am-4pm and Saturday Nov 13th @10am-4pm
Learn historic 1800s foodways as you cook and enjoy eating an entire meal prepared in the slave kitchen Bracketts Farm. Long cotton pants, good shoes required. Instructors- Louisa County Historical Society. Adults only. Fee $25 Limit is 10 per date.

"Larry Potter" pottery workshops: Larry Jackson
Sept 18th @ 10am Oct 2nd @10am Oct 16th @10am
"You and Mother Earth" - Learn hand-formed techniques with clay: pinch pot, coil, and slab construction...clay--the oldest and most modern material used by man!

Sawmill Demonstrations: To be announced.

The Central Virginia Blacksmith Guild Demos : Hunter Perkinson
Oct 2nd and Nov 27th @10am
Introduction to Blacksmithing. "The demonstration will include the process of heating mild steel in a coal fired forge, the tools of the trade, basic skills of fire maintenance, drawing out metal, upsetting, bending, twisting and finishing.

Landscape Painting Lindsay Nolting
Sept 18th @10am Oct 16th @10am Nov 13th@10am
This open air workshop is designed for experienced painters. It will address composition, color, and meaning in landscape art. Lindsay Nolting will work individually with painters as they work. Bring a brown bag lunch. There will be morning and afternoon sessions as the light changes.

Photography workshops: Elaine Taylor
Oct 16th @10am to 1pm.
Bring your camera and join us as we discuss composition, lighting and other basics of photography. We will walk around the farm discussing the particular possibilities and problems encountered in shooting landscapes, historic structures, and animals at Bracketts Farm.

Nature Walks: Dr Lou Verner, VA Dept of Game & Inland Fisheries
Sept 18th @ 9am Oct 2nd@9am Nov 13th @ 9am
Be among the first to enjoy a walk along the newly established Birding and Wildlife Nature Trail at Bracketts Farm. Dr. Lou Verner will lead the walks and provide helpful wildlife watching tips for beginners and beyond. The mile plus trail starts at Nolting Pond and visits both upland and wetland habitats. Sturdy footwear and protective clothing are recommended and be sure to bring your binoculars and field guides, water, and insect repellent. A limited number of binoculars will be available for use on each walk.

History Walks: Mike Seaton; Native People 1491-1700; Bracketts in 1820
Sep 25th @10am Oct 9th @10am Nov 13th @12noon
A two-hour, interactive discussion will feature the history of Bracketts Farm in the timeframe of 1820. This was a period when Bracketts was prosperous and figures such as Jefferson, Madison, Cabell, Monroe and other notables visited, dined and stayed at the Farm. Part of the discussion will include ancient Native People who lived on this land for thousands of years before English settlers came. The November date will feature Civil War events affecting Bracketts Farm.

Ghost Walks: Linda Lamb-Lockwood
Sep 25th@12noon Oct 9th@12noon Oct 16th@10am
This guided discussion and walk will highlight the respect and honor we pay the ones who have passed on. People who contributed to the rich history of this land may still have something to say to us. Maybe if we listen and observe and pay attention to the signs given us we may learn from them. Their history and important events at the Farm and stories of spirits will be talked about as well.~~~

Making Friends with the Stars: Star Gazing at Bracketts; George Nolting
Oct 9th@ 8 pm Nov 6th@8pm
Come enjoy the wonder of the night sky, un-spoiled by street lights, yard lights, or other 'nuisance lights.' See galaxies, planets, gas clouds, and other wonders of the sky through a powerful telescope. The workshops will be led by astronomer George Nolting. Dress warmly and wear good shoes for the brief trek to the observation site.

The "Birds & The Bees" Workshop on Bee Keeping: Michael Lachance
Sept 18th@10am Oct 9th@ 10am
The importance of bees to our food chain and the natural environment will be discussed as well as how to keep bees for enjoyment as well as the natural food they produce -  honey.

Annual Christmas Bird Count: Dr Lou Verner; Geo Nolting