By Heather Reed, Texas Frontier Heritage & Cultural Center site manager
On the third Sunday of each month, dozens of families visit the Buffalo Gap Historic Village to create crafts made from recycled materials.
Not only is this craft environmentally friendly, it represents a way of life preserved by the Buffalo Gap Historic Village for the years 1875-1925. Our frontier ancestors used everything and wasted little. During previous Craft Sundays, children and their families learned how to weave a coin purse, make a family tree, construct a homemade bird feeder, and many other “upcycled” projects.
Children age 12 and under receive free admission from 2 to 4 p.m. on Craft Sundays, making the program popular for families and community groups as well.
Girl Scout leader Brieanna Fenton said her children enjoy Craft Sunday every month.
“The Craft Sunday is an added touch to an already fun-filled experience at the village,” she said. “All the kids and adults alike love the atmosphere of doing the crafts in the old school house and then playing on the old playground equipment! I think paper mache was the one the kids liked the most, probably because it was the messiest. My kids love coming out every month and spending the afternoon at the village.”
The program offers children a way to experience frontier history through hands-on crafts. Grace Boyd, a regular BGHV volunteer for Craft Sunday, says, “My favorite part of Craft Sunday is seeing the different creativity from each child and how no matter what the craft, there are no two alike.”
The third Sunday of the month is also the Village’s Military Appreciation Day, which offers free admission to all current and former military personnel and their families. Hosting Craft Sunday on Military Appreciation Day encourages families from the community to come together and experience the history of the Texas frontier together.
The Buffalo Gap Historic Village is located 10 miles south of Abilene. The museum village receives about 1,000 visitors a month to its more than 15 historic buildings. There’s even a historic playground for children outside the old schoolhouse.
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