Fig. 1. Oldest conservatory of the Mechelen type in neighbouring Sint-Katelijne-Waver. The emergence of the Mechelen (English: Mechlin, French Malines) greenhouse type coincided with the rise of vegetable cultivation in this area of Flanders in Belgium, developing in the late nineteenth century, so that it became a typical feature of the open-ground horticulture on vegetable… Continue reading Rise and decline of the Mechelen greenhouse, today an honored object of cultural heritage in Flanders
Agricultural History
Your good seed for the day
Fig. 1. Source: The Finnish Museum of Agriculture Sarka In celebration of the International Year of Glass, we wish to show the readers some interesting glass artefacts in the Finnish Museum of Agriculture Sarka collection. These small bottles resemble an egg standing on a funnel-shaped leg (Fig. 1). Most of them do not have visible… Continue reading Your good seed for the day
Glass and Hotbeds
Virtual “Draft Animals” and a Virtual “Plowing Match” before they happen! A note from Bob Powell
Before I begin, I will blame this impromptu personal “blog” on our colleagues and friends, Cozette Griffin Kremer and Claus Kropp who suggested, nay twisted my arm, to write something to link two up and coming events. As 2021 proceeds still under the effects of the Covid-19 virus, two related “virtual” events are occurring. Firstly,… Continue reading Virtual “Draft Animals” and a Virtual “Plowing Match” before they happen! A note from Bob Powell
Bees in Egypt of the Pharaohs
Abstract: In Ancient Egypt honey bees seemed to have been of great significance during all periods – as decoration or motif in various contexts as well as icon within the religious and mythological sphere. In addition to that, bees also seemed to have been devoted as a symbol of the royal status and were applied… Continue reading Bees in Egypt of the Pharaohs
A little follow up on our blogpost on beekeeping in Slovenia
On June 29th, we posted a very interesting report on beekeeking in Slovenia by our fellow AIMA member Barbara Sosič (follow this link to the blog post here: https://www.agriculturalmuseums.org/2020/06/29/poetry-of-agriculture-on-the-significance-of-beekeeping-in-slovenia/ ) About a month later, BBC reel published yet another interesting aspect of slovenian beekeeping which we want to bring to your attention: https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p08lb5l4/the-therapeutic-sound-of-slovenian-bees?fbclid=IwAR0c-P7HpFIqrk1h7K1xSocBw4SjKzyZSik_N8rxmsS_2Iyo_10K-fsJSUg (Please note,… Continue reading A little follow up on our blogpost on beekeeping in Slovenia
How to do bee business despite Covid-19? Some practical and personal experience from Firestone Farm, Dearborn, Michigan
Abstract While the global pandemic disrupts our routines, those who care for livestock, including domesticated honey bees, must continue care without disruption. Patrice Fisher, the beekeeper at Firestone Farm, reports that bees are thriving at the living history farm within Greenfield Village, The Henry Ford, in Dearborn, Michigan, as of 4 June and 6 July… Continue reading How to do bee business despite Covid-19? Some practical and personal experience from Firestone Farm, Dearborn, Michigan
Poetry of agriculture? On the Significance of Beekeeping in Slovenia
AbstractsSlovenia is home to excellent beekeepers and the indigenous Carniolan bee. Beekeeping is one of the oldest traditional activities and an important part of Slovenia’s identity, natural and cultural heritage. It is a kind of a national hobby; there are 5 beekeepers per 1000 inhabitants in a population of just two million, together around 11.000.… Continue reading Poetry of agriculture? On the Significance of Beekeeping in Slovenia
Did anybody care about, or for, bees in the European Middle Ages?
Abstract: Medieval texts and iconography have much to tell us about beekeeping in Europe, from how hives were constructed to who took care of them, and… for whom. Résumé: Les textes et l’iconographie du Moyen Âge en Europe recèlent une pléthore d’informations sur l’apiculture, sur les ruches, sur qui s’en occupait et… pour qui. Keywords:Honeybees… Continue reading Did anybody care about, or for, bees in the European Middle Ages?
How has beekeeping changed over time? An archaeobeekeeper and an archaeological open-air museum in Germany showcase pre- and proto-historic beekeeping methods
Abstracts: Archaeological finds provide proof of beekeeping in man-made places for bees to live in for the first sedentary cultures. Tubular wooden constructions (log hives) and skeps are the typical bee habitations for (pre-)historic beekeepingin Central Europe. Only two really groundbreaking changes can be pointed out that have led to the modern type of beehives… Continue reading How has beekeeping changed over time? An archaeobeekeeper and an archaeological open-air museum in Germany showcase pre- and proto-historic beekeeping methods