“Tomahawk” is an American Indian term to describe a type of ax or blade used for a variety of purposes. This tool was originally made of rock with a wooden handle until Europeans brought iron technology to the new world.
A blacksmith is demonstrating how a piece of iron is heated in a forge and the soften red hot metal is pounded into an ax shape on an anvil. The process is slow and repeated many times but the end result is an amazing tool.

Trees offered our ancestors the resource to cut lumber from logs and build their first shelters on the frontier. My great, great grandparents owned a sawmill in Mankato, Minnesota starting in the 1860’s. My logo is a tintype of that family taken about 1865. It was great fun to find this operating sawmill and exciting to film how it worked. Living history is what breathes life into your family stories and will help make history come alive.

NEW Living History Video Podcast Launches at RootsTech Conference – February 10-12, 2011, Salt Lake City, UT.
Pictures are worth a thousand words.
We create short living history video episodes that focus on many historic life experiences to depict our common heritage and how much things have changed. If you’re curious, visit often, spread the word, and come back as we’ll release a new video every week of 2011. That’s 46 videos plus we’ll publish living history photo albums, and a monthly newsletter. Cool huh?
We take you to places you didn’t intend to go and leave you with thoughts and ideas different from when you began in a very real way.

Past Military & Entertainment Activities from Lynn Besch on Vimeo.

We the people. America’s melting pot of many cultures became one unique nation, with values, and a strong heritage. The new world was founded on the principles of life, liberty and justice for all. The military and government administered the law. Another important needed aspect of life were social and relationship activities. These things included music, holidays, playing games, dancing, and sports.

Natures Resources for Survival from Lynn Besch on Vimeo.

For the land of the free and the home of the brave. The pioneers used all of natures resources for survival. Food that was not grown on the farm, was hunted and trapped. The animals were used for their fur as well as their meat, bones, and organs. Our ancestors understood that all the fundamental natural resources were important for survival and included: plants, animals, minerals, fuels, water, soil & rocks, air & wind, and the forests and pastures.



Forgotten Historical Activities from Lynn Besch on Vimeo.

How people spent their daily lives 150 years ago was very different from our current reality. Their ordinary activities mostly involved their survival needs of food, clothing and shelter. These things were common and necessary and we can now see their reality through this historical reenactment overview video. Take a step back in time.

Historical Trades & Occupations from Lynn Besch on Vimeo.

The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker. Where have they all gone? There were many necessary and unique trades to help families survive on the frontier. These special skills all had an important purpose in it’s day because there was a need for important products and services in the new world.

Homesteading & Farming Activities from Lynn Besch on Vimeo.

Where did my people come from? America was founded and settled mostly by European peasants. They sought a new life, freedom, and land ownership. There are many stories of why and where your family came from and how America developed into what it is today. Native Indians, African slaves, Asians and many outside ethnic cultures were a part of this expanding melting pot nation.