“If you are born with certain convictions, your path, no matter how thorny, is laid out for you and you have to follow, even if your tender feet object.” ~ Fritz Eichenberg – Quaker artist

Two Saturday afternoons ago, I set out for Jerusalem Mill Village in Kingsville, MD. Just as I arrived at the quaint colonial village, the sun broke through. I’d gone to listen to a talk given by Michael Olmert, author and professor, about out-buildings commonly found in colonial villages. Olmert touched on the structures utilitarian value and how they were built.

If you have never been to this beautiful historical settlement, which has none of the busyness of large tourist colonial villages, you are in for a serene retreat. It is located along the Gunpowder River and abuts the lands of Gunpowder State Park. Take a walk on the trails or through the covered bridge. Stop in each of the living history buildings and don’t miss the small art gallery in the Lee Mansion. The general store in the village sells Olmert’s book Kitchen, Smokehouses and Privies: Architecture and Outbuildings of Daily Life in the Eighteen Century in the Mid-Atlantic. His book has been used as a resource for many students of colonial history.

Keep your eye on Historic Jerusalem Mill’s website. There are lectures and other special events throughout the year. Next year, according to Rebecca Weber, Director of the Museum, there will be a series of presentations about how the Quaker values influenced trade and community building in the colonial village. Check the website for the best times to visit because many of the events are on weekends only.