During the month of February I am focusing on the Freedom Seekers Merit Badge since it is Black History Month. Requirement #12 of Freedom Seekers has the girls make a corn husk doll and write a story about their doll.
It was common for slave children to make toys from discarded items such as corn husks. Corn Husk dolls were first created by Native Americans. They then taught the early settlers how to make them. Originally the dolls were plain and did not have faces – this is part on the Indian Legend of the Three Sisters (here).
There are many great resources online on how to make a corn husk doll so I have opted not to rewrite what others have already written. Two great sites are Martha Stewart (here) and The Old Farmer’s Almanac (here). Having done this several times, it is important to soak the corn husk in water before beginning the project.
Corn Husk Dolls are also associated with several other merit badges including Native American #15, Our Heritage #2, Our Heritage #6, and Toys and Games #1
If you are looking to complete the merit badge, check out these additional resources:
Freedom Seekers #2
Freedom Seekers #8
Freedom Seekers #16
Native American #6
Native American #12
Native American #14
Native American #22
NOTE: The requirements have been simplified here. Please be sure to read the full text in the American Heritage Girl Handbook to make sure you fully understand the requirements.
