Samson Historical

01/02/2026

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓑𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓓𝓸𝓰

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Ash, one of the beloved shop dogs. Ash joined the Samson Historical family when he moved up from South Carolina with Beth and Jimmy. He made it clear he was not a fan of Indiana snow, but he never missed a meal and could often be found going from floor to floor in search of snacks.

Ash was deeply loved by our entire staff and was a constant, quiet presence in the shop. He had the blackest coat, the warmest heart, and in all his time with us, only barked once. His loss is felt by everyone who knew him.

“He could never let you be sad—he would rub against you or lay his head on your lap until things felt lighter. He followed Beth everywhere, including to work, and became the shop dog, greeting everyone with a wagging tail. If every stray dog was like Ash, the shelters would be empty.” — Jimmy

01/01/2026

As we close the year, we want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has supported our business and our family. Your patronage, encouragement, and belief in what we do have allowed us to continue preserving, producing, and sharing early American material culture in a meaningful way. We do not take that support lightly.

We are beyond excited to ring in the New Year—one that marks a truly momentous milestone: the 250th anniversary of our country. America’s 250th is more than a celebration; it is a rare opportunity to reflect on our shared past, to educate future generations, and to honor the people, places, and stories that shaped this nation.

We look forward to celebrating throughout the year with all of you, from New York to Pennsylvania, Virginia to South Carolina, and many places in between. We are proud to locally support the Indiana 250th Commission and to stand as a committed supporter of the broader America 250 mission, working alongside and in support of many state commissions across the country.

From our family to yours, we wish you a Happy New Year. Let the celebrations commence.

-

The Samsons

12/19/2025

We are delighted to return to George Washington's Mount Vernon for the Mount Vernon by Candlelight and Christmas Illuminations, where we will showcase a curated selection of games from the 18th century.

12/18/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us once again for another successful year hosting Santa & Mrs. Claus.

A sincere and well-deserved thank you to Jonathan Wayne Photography for his continued generosity and commitment to this event. Jonathan has once again donated his time and professional expertise to ensure that every family attending received high-quality photographs at no cost.

As of this year, Jonathan has captured more than 600 family photos over the course of this annual tradition. His work preserves meaningful memories for countless families and plays a major role in what makes this event special year after year.

Jonathan, your consistency, kindness, and dedication to our community do not go unnoticed. We are genuinely grateful for the role you play in making this event possible.

In addition, a couple hundred toys were handed out by Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Joy the Elf, helping ensure that plenty of holiday cheer made its way home with our visitors.

This year’s photo gallery:
https://jadams.dphoto.com/album/afkbsm64
Password: samsonchristmas2025

Thank you all for being part of another Christmas season!

16 dec 2025

12/12/2025

*IMPORTANT UPDATE*

The weather tomorrow is supposed to be more frightful than delightful, with lots of snow and bitter temperatures.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be coming TUESDAY the 16th to hand out presents and take photos with the children.

Please spread the word about the time change so we dont have any disappointed kiddos.

On Tuesday each child will receive a free gift, and a professional photo will be taken free of charge for every family.

12/12/2025

Sometimes it feels like a Hallmark Movie outside. We are so blessed to have the most beautiful buildings in downtown Lebanon.

12/09/2025

Make gifting (or treating yourself) easy with our limited holiday bundles. Several of these sets include items you won’t find anywhere else—exclusive pieces available only within these bundles. Each set is specially priced to help with your gifting budget. Once they’re gone, they’re gone, so be sure to take a look and secure your favorites.

Experience the joy of the season with our historic holiday specials and curated bundles. Unwrap the past with exclusive collections perfect for every history enthusiast. Celebrate with timeless treasures and make this holiday truly historic!

12/01/2025

Our limited collection is now live—featuring returning favorites and brand-new pieces inspired by true 18th-century craftsmanship. Perfect for you or for meaningful gifting.

https://www.samsonhistorical.com/collections/bfcm

11/28/2025

We wish you and your family a joyous celebration on this day of Thanksgiving.

-The Samsons

It is well known and established here in the United States, that the National Day of Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month. While Thursday is ideal for creating a long weekend, it does seem a strange day for an annual holiday. It may surprise you that we have George Washingt...

11/26/2025

Who doesn't love a holiday cookie? We brought back a limited amount of the famous Ludwick gingerbreads and added a small batch of Liberty Bell Linzer cookies, made in the same Philadelphia Bakery.

Can you spot the BRAND NEW items launching in this blog?

Sweet Traditions: Gingerbread in Early America There is something unmistakably comforting about the scent of gingerbread. Warm spice, dark molasses, and the memory of winter gatherings all seem to rise at once from a single batch. For families today, gingerbread is a holiday staple—passed down thr...

11/26/2025

Bayberry candles are derived from the wax of the bayberry. It is a messy and time-consuming process that produces a wax with a greenish tint. According to Thomas Jefferson's records, he purchased a large batch of Myrtle (bayberry) candles in April of 1791, and continued to repurchase an annual supply.

Benjamin Franklin noted the Bayberry Candle as a distinctly American art while away in London; "I thank you for the Receipts; they are as full and particular as one could wish; but can easily be practis’d only in America, no Bayberry-wax, nor any Brasiletto being here to be had, at least to my Knowledge..."

Bayberry tapers have long been associated with good fortune, and this pair of 8" candles carries that tradition forward. Each one is hand-dipped on a circa-1850 candle carousel, creating a smooth, even finish reminiscent of early American craftsmanship. Made from real bayberry wax, they are the cust...

11/26/2025

NEW PRODUCT! We are thrilled to add a line of women's fragrances from a company that has been in business in America since 1752. These high-quality scents are not only pleasing to smell, but are beautifully packaged.

We have also expanded our line of men's fragrances just in time for the holidays!

This collection brings together a selection of scents rooted in the botanical traditions of the 18th century, when florals and natural essences were prized for their refinement and personal expression. Each fragrance in this range reflects notes that would have been familiar to women of the period:....