Historic Crafts and Trades Fair

In celebration of the Carpenters’ Company’s 300th Anniversary and the 250th Anniversary of the completion of Carpenters’ Hall, we hosted a showcase of historic crafts and trades on four consecutive Saturday’s from April 27th to May 18th.

These free, family-friendly, interactive events were held in Carpenters’ Court, in front of Carpenters’ Hall. Guests explored the trades that helped build Carpenters’ Hall through interactive demonstrations of blacksmithing, carpentry, masonry, and crafts such as basketweaving. Guests discussed these trades as modern careers with professionals themselves.

On April 27th, Carpenters’ Court hosted demonstrations in blacksmithing. This event was made possible through partnership with Holzman Iron Studio and Bryn Athyn College Building Arts program. Donations collected this weekend were given to The Save the Historic Blacksmithing Shop at Fort Mifflin.

On May 4th, Carpenters’ Court hosted demonstrations in masonry. This event was made possible through partnership with International Masonry Institute, Employing Bricklayers Association, Joseph Dugan, Inc., Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers of Local 1, and the Williamson College of the Trades. Donations collected this weekend were given to MyWIC, Mentoring Young Women in Construction.

On May 11th, Carpenters’ Court hosted demonstrations in carpentry. This event was made possible through partnership with The Carpenters’ Union, Frank Radomski & Sons, and the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters’ Technical College. Donations collected this weekend were given to Carpentry Academy at Eastern State Penitentiary's Preservation Trades Center.

On May 18th, Carpenters’ Court hosted demonstrations in crafts such as leather working, stone carving, plastering over wood lath, basketweaving, broom making, and stained glass repair. This event was made possible through partnership with Historic Cold Spring Village and LimeWorks.us & Craftwork Training Center, Telford PA. Donations collected this weekend were given to Historic Cold Spring Village.

The Carpenters’ Company extends a special thank you to the Independence National Historical Park.

We raised almost $500 towards selected community beneficiaries! Thank you for your participation. Please enjoy the photographs and videos from the events below.

For more information about the Historic Crafts and Trades Fair, contact staff member Emily Winters.