top of page
cross1.png

a foundation in

American Craftsmanship

Craft & Forge

emerges from the hands-on

traditions of

18th century  

Colonial Williamsburg

artisans.

wagoncart2.png

the historic trades at

Colonial Williamsburg

Today, as they did nearly 250 years ago, the gifted makers of Colonial Williamsburg use traditional techniques and tools on-site at what was the largest and most influential of the early American settlements.

We look to these artisan techniques and trades to inform our brand partnerships and product design.

scissors2.png
LR_TRU2200241.jpg
Forging Fire, Working with Metals
 
Blacksmiths, silversmiths
tinsmiths, and gunsmiths
begin their days by lighting fires in the forges. Tools, weapons, cookery, and decorative objects are crafted by hammering and shaping hot metals into finished products with precision and skill.
Metal Working
AdobeStock_223568354.jpeg
Artisans Crafting 
with Wood
 
Coopers, cabinetmakers, and joiners make barrels, fine furniture and architectural finishes such as doors and shingles. The smell of freshly planed wood and sounds of wood shavings hitting the ground transport you to an era when these trades were viewed as an art form.
Woodworking
IMG_0067_edited.jpg
Weaving the Fabric
of Colonial Lives
 
Weavers convert tangled masses of flax, cotton, and wool into precise fabrics while tailors use these fabrics to construct elegant costumes and military uniforms. Mantua-makers
use the latest ornaments and accessories, called millinery to decorate and embellish.
Textiles
leather-works.jpg
Cut, Mold and Stitch Leather 
Shoemakers, bookbinders, and artisans at the Public Leatherworks make products by hand using traditional methods and tools. These artisans are some of the last few in the world to make shoes, books and other leather goods entirely by hand using traditional tools and techniques. 
Leatherworks
Woman Picking Organic Vegetables
Growing Medicinal
Herbs, Flowers, and Vegetables
What was it like to be sick or injured in colonial times? Meet the apothecaries and learn how medicine, wellness, and surgical practices of the 18th century compare to today. Gardeners provide produce and herbs for farm to table events and dining throughout Colonial Williamsburg.
Colonial Gardens
and Apothecary
82840858_10157227414289576_6979372897391
The Importance of
Apprenticeships
Employing tradespeople offers a realistic portrayal of the apprentice experience in the colonial era, but the motivations for this program transcend historical authenticity. For the students, we open up the possibility of career paths in the trades, both modern and historical, that most may not have considered previously.
Apprentice to Master
joinery-location-crop.jpg

the

Historic Trades

at

Colonial Williamsburg

The Historic Area is filled with tradespeople practicing traditional skills and sharing their knowledge.

bottom of page