AMERICAN
MAKER STYLE
FOR THE
CONTEMPORARY
MARKET
Crafting Partnerships
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We love working with like-minded brands to create creative partnerships that deepen appreciation for craft and its makers. ​
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Our brand partners have access to 18th-century archives, curatorial expertise, and storytelling with authentic roots. We offer marketing and branding support, collaborating closely with our licensees to build engaging campaigns to tell the fascinating stories from the past.
Giving Back to the Historic Trades
Craft & Forge supports
We can purchase seeds and plants for the 85 historic gardens of Colonial Williamsburg. The native and exotic flora that were grown by the colonists require extensive care and ongoing research.
Historic Gardens
Secure and store rare wood supplies used by cabinetmakers and joiners, yarn and dye for the weavers, seeds and plants for the historic gardens are just a few examples.
Securing
Supplies
We can secure and store rare wood supplies used by cabinetmakers and joiners, purchase yarn and dye for the weavers, and deer hides for leather artisans.
Securing Supplies
Master tradesman, journeymen and apprentices are supported in professional development opportunities to ensure the preservation of knowledge and skills.
Historic Trades
Traditional skills are at risk
of being lost to time
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One goal of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Trades program is to ensure that younger generations continue to research, preserve and practice historic and increasingly rare trades.
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What Makes Us Different
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Our connection to this highly respected historical research institution enhances our distinctive approach to product development, bringing authenticity and integrity unmatched by any licensing program in today’s market.
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Apprentice Tinsmith
Jenny Lynn
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“Donors help the tinsmiths rediscover a dying trade by allowing us to purchase specialty materials, like lead-free solder and hot-dipped, tin-plated iron or even common materials like firewood and charcoal, for our daily work at the Anderson Armoury Tin Shop.  With the assistance of donors, we are able to operate as the only 18th-century Tin Shop in a museum in the United States.”