Brenda Applegate

As Executive Director of the Beaver County Research and Landmarks Foundation  (located at the old Vicary House in Freedom, PA), Brenda Applegate serves multiple roles -- manager, fundraiser, grounds supervisor, secretary, public relations consultant, and educational coordinator – and she is highly effective in all of these role, but it is in her education-related duties, in particular, where her experience as a living historian has helped her make a real impact on her community. Brenda’s record in program development is a truly impressive one. Her “Windows Through History Program,” her “Historic Fashion Shows: 1750-1910,” and the four annual events she coordinates (the Civil War Field Hospital, Vicary Days, the Applebutter Fest, and Christmas at Vicary Mansion) are substantive, entertaining, well-planned events for visitors, both young and old. Brenda was also instrumental in developing the Logstown Indian village site near Ambridge in preparation for the anniversary celebration of Washington’s historic 1753 visit.

 

Through her use of frontier artists, 18th century craftsmen/women, and some of the best living historians available, Brenda creates events that really bring Frontier Pennsylvania/Colonial Pennsylvania to life. In addition to conducting on-going school tours workshops at Vicary Mansion and making presentations to various schools throughout Beaver County, Brenda also served last year as a guest speaker at the Soldiers and Sailors French and Indian War Conference.  

Brenda is also a skilled seamstress and quiltmaker. She established “Mrs. Applegates’s School of Needlework” in 1992 and now serves as a quilt instructor at the Community College of Beaver County. Brenda is really dedicated to her work. She is a wonderful teacher and a consummate professional -- always well-prepared.  She researches her topic thoroughly, explains information clearly, and carefully designs her presentations to meet the needs of different audiences. She also brings along great visuals and incorporates interesting hands-on activities.  Brenda’s speaking topics include:
 

~ Women on the Frontier

~ The Woman in Woodland Indian Culture

~ Cooking on the Frontier

~ Clothing on the Frontier

~ The History of American Quiltmaking

~ Basic Weaving/ Sewing of Historical Garments

 

  



 

Contact Information
Phone: 724-643-4919 (Home)
             724-775-1848 (Work)
E-Mail: rbappleg1@comcast.net (Home)
  bchrlf@bchrlf.org (Work)

                                                                                                                                   The Vicary House
 

 

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