School's out, so kids can taste a bit of life as Revere knew it

When life gives you lemons, take a deep breath. That lemony smell works on pesky snake bites, too.

The wonders of lemon balm and other Colonial-era facts of life are the subject of "The Revere Family at Work" at the Paul Revere House, a program geared toward children between the ages of 8 and 11 but open to all. Visitors learn about everything from creating homemade herbal remedies to metal engraving.

"We have things arranged but just out of reach," said Gretchen Adams, the house's education director, of some potentially dangerous tools. The hour-and-a-half long sessions begin with an introduction to the Revere lifestyle; then it's time to work.

Lemon balm, an herb used in "headache bags" which all program participants can make, served as "kind of an anti-depressant," said Adams. Visitors also get the chance to try engraving, but since the burins, or engraver's cutting tools, Revere used are so sharp, electric engravers are provided.

And, by the way, the objects on the table in front of Paul Revere in that famous portrait are the burins he would have used to engrave a piece like the one he is holding. The sand-filled leather pillow under his left arm was used to keep the piece from moving as he worked.

Participation in "The Revere Family at Work" is by reservation this Wednesday and Friday from 10:30 a.m. to noon, at the Paul Revere House, 19 North Square, 617-523-2338. Fee is $4 for adults and children.JIMMY CRONIN