Workshops
At Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation we offer workshops in a wide variety of historic skills. Learning historic skills gives us the chance to connect with people in the past, connect with how things are made, and connect with our own ability to create. Many of our workshops are geared toward beginners. In those workshops we create a supportive space for people to try new things and maybe find a fun new hobby.
We offer workshops in a wide variety of skills including things like spinning, ox driving, stenciling, broom making, block printing, and many more. So, if you don’t see something that piques your interest, sign up to receive our emails and be notified when new workshops are listed. Or better yet, become a member and get the chance to sign up before registration opens to the general public.
Workshops also include admission to the farm for the day when the site is open to the public. Reservations are required for all workshops.
Soap Making
Learn about the soap making process used for laundry in the 18th century, including making lye using a lye barrel. Participants will make their own soap to take home.
Ink Drawing
Local artist and instructor, Veronica Batter, will guide you through the experience of creating your vision of our 18th century working farm using various inks made at the farm, including black walnut ink. Try your hand at drawing with a quill pen or brush. Some drawing experience is helpful but not necessary. All supplies will be provided.
Paper Marbling
Marbling is the art of floating and designing watercolors on a base fluid then permanently transferring the design to paper**.** Developed by the Persians in the 15thC, paper marbling was popular during the 18th century for book and journal covers. Participants will be instructed in preparing the paper to accept the paint; mixing the colors for marbling; creating the base fluid; floating the colors on the base, then designing them; and transferring the design to paper. All participants will take home their finished papers. Workshop will be led by Ramon Townsend of The Colonial Bindery. Townsend studied traditional bookbinding methods and other historic arts at Colonial Williamsburg's book bindery.
Natural Dyeing
Natural materials have been used for centuries to produce a wide range of colors. Learn about natural dyeing in the 18th century and the common dye plants grown in the farm’s garden as well as those from around the world. Participants will dye their own 18th century men’s cravat or ladies scarf using cochineal and madder root.
