Baby in Red Chair - A New Year Begins

The beginning of any new year is often characterized by an image of a baby being welcomed by an old bearded adult from the previous year. Keeping this tradition alive is today's January 1st post of Baby in Red Chair, an oil on canvass painting attributed to an unknown artist possibly from Pennsylvania during the period 1800 to 1830.

Baby in Red Chair is an example of American folk art. Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, was a pioneer in the realization of this art form as both creative and historic. She spent much of her time and family's resources to collect and preserve art. Today her expansive collection can be seen at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum in Williamsburg, Virginia. While the painting is just one example of many, the plans for the museum includes expansion of the neighboring DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum in 2010 and 2011 allowing for possible more room for the Rockefeller collection.

Baby in Red Chair is one of the most popular paintings in this collection. However visitors will also recognize other works of early American life displayed in the exhibit. Abby's foresight to preserve folk art allows the two hundred year old "baby" to both welcome the viewer into the past and also into the present with a timeless pose. Know that.

Fifes and Drums in Williamsburg, Virginia

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, America's Revolutionary City, knows how to end an October 14th day. The Fifes and Drums of Colonial Williamsburg marches west along the Duke of Gloucester Street before turning north at the courthouse.

Following this march the band drums for the Virginia militia while we see a demonstration of rifle shooting, more parade marching and the setting off of a cannon. All of this happens in conjunction with a visit by General George Washington on horseback. The general addresses the gathered crowd - many of whom are from England. Huzzah! Know that.

Williamsburg Fife and Drum At Sundown

A daily tradition at Colonial Williamsburg is the fife and drum precession near sundown. The parade starts on the eastern end of the Duke of Gloucester street and marches to the Palace Green. With no amplification from their instrument but their own breath or drum beat the parade commands attention from all visitors to America's largest living history museum. Think history is boring? Think again. Treat yourself to what colonial life was like during the 18th century by visiting Colonial Williamsburg. You'll also discover where scenes from the HBO miniseries, John Adams were filmed in 2007. Know that.

Who is She?

Who is she? On October 15, 2008 this woman was taped by a small army of videographers surrounded by an entourage of assistants. Here's what we know: the place was Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia; the time was around 5 pm. The woman at the center of attention didn't say much but danced around and smiled a lot. Some people have guessed that she is a singer or an actress. Really? If you know who she is send me a message in the comment section. Know that.