Colonial Craft Shops

       Restored Williamsburg reflects the social history of colonial and Revolutionary America. It attempts to tell the story of men of "the middling sort" who conducted respectable if unpublicized businesses, and who provided support for the new nation in the making; support, that is, not only in the form of the boots or bayonets they manufactured for the army, but also in the form of votes and military service and loyalty and belief in self-government. 

       One of the most effective ways to peer into this everyday world is to visit the craft shops of Colonial Williamsburg. Here, in the costume of his or her predecessor, the craftsman works with the sturdy tools of colonial days, fashioning articles of beauty, character, and utility. Some trades represented are those of the cabinet-maker, blacksmith, cobbler, silversmith, printer, book-binder, and baker. The modest businessman of the eighteenth century may be found at work again in the apothecary shop and at the wigmaker's. On the distaff side may be seen the milliner and the weaver. 

To Purchase or Learn About Authentic Reproductions:

• Purchase: Reproductions In Williamsburg Historic Houses: From Brick & Vine
• Learn: Browse the Colonial Williamsburg emuseum to learn about the decorative, mechanical and fine art in their collections here.

The cooper from Colonial Williamsburg makes barrels and buckets for his trade.

 Back to the "Virtual Vacation" to Williamsburg...