19th Century Homestead

Life on the Delmarva Peninsula in the early 19th century revolved around the chores and responsibilities of the household. Every member of the family had a specific role to play in order to keep the family clothed and fed.

Homes were typically constructed with one main room, which was the location for most daily activities, including cooking, eating, sleeping, working, and spending time together. This room was filled with furniture, tools, and cooking implements. Compared to today’s standards, the house may have felt cramped, as privacy and personal space were hard to come by.

The communal space was filled with food stored in barrels, crocks, cabinets, cast iron pots, and utensils necessary for preparing meals over an open flame in the hearth, and multiple tools and equipment required to make clothing, towels, rugs, bedding, and coverlets. Families often produced their own wool or grew their own flax (used to make linen) to make a variety of textiles.