Registration to the the 48th Annual Historic American Trades and Crafts Workshops at Historic Eastfield Village is open!
Instructors: Lance Petersen & Deborah Bayly
This three-day artist retreat is an opportunity for artists to learn 19th century techniques and methods in the unique and inspiring setting of Historic Eastfield Village. Participants will learn to draw the figure as done in the 19th century, both indoor nude modeling and outdoor modeling in period costume.
Plein Air Painters are invited to explore and paint the village’s historic campus that includes over 20 structures dating from 1789 to 1840. Although instruction is primarily for oil painters other mediums are also welcome.
Suggested materials lists will be provided upon request and registration.
Day 1: Introductions and Overview.
Painting in plein air. Outdoor/indoor depending on weather
Lesson: Ink drawing, Drawing with chalk
Day 2: Painting in plein air. Outdoor/indoor depending on weather
Lesson: Figure Drawing – outdoor/indoor depending on weather
Day 3: Painting in plein air. Outdoor/indoor depending on weather
Lesson: Figure Drawing – outdoor/indoor depending on weather
Duration: 3 Days
Dates: July 17th - 19th 2026
Includes:
Limited to: 10 Students
More: Workshop Information
All workshops begin at 9:30am on the first day of the program.
All participants must be 18+ years old.
Instructor: Rob Cagnetta
This two-day workshop introduces homeowners to the fundamentals of historic window restoration, including how traditional wood windows function, how to assess their condition, and how thoughtful repairs can improve durability and energy performance. Through demonstrations and discussion, attendees will gain a clear understanding of window disassembly, paint and putty removal, glazing, repairs, and long-term maintenance. Participants will learn to evaluate which repairs are appropriate to undertake themselves and which may be better deferred or contracted out. By the end of the workshop, homeowners will be better equipped to care for their windows responsibly, safely, and efficiently.
The curriculum includes current Lead Safe Guidelines for window restoration, emphasizing practical methods to reduce lead hazards while preserving historic fabric.
All participants will go home with their own basic window repair kit.
Duration: 2 Days
Dates: June 6th - 7th 2026
Includes:
Window Repair Kit
Limited to: 8 Students
More: Workshop Information
All workshops begin at 9:30am on the first day of the program.
All participants must be 18+ years old.
Host: Michael Carver, the Regimental Brewmeister
Outside of the church, the tavern was the most important institution in most towns. Taverns were used as meeting places for political assemblies and business; places to share news, swap stories, and spread ideas; the site of travel crossroads and community-building. Strangers and neighbours alike came together in these common spaces. It was in the colonial tavern that the revolutionary spirit launched our nation. Without taverns, it is likely that the various colonies would have remained separate and subject to the greater British Empire.
During this evening program, patrons are invited to a night of storytelling and merriment, during which they can enjoy an 18th Century tavern experience complete with period beer and cocktails, competitive toasts, various entertainments such as parlor games and tavern songs, and maybe even a rousing political debate that would have been commonplace in the late 18th century.
Patrons will enjoy a groaning board and sweet treats along with the many beverages that will be available for purchase.
Note: All attendees must be 21+. Proof of age will be required. Drink tokens may be purchased onsite. Non-alcoholic beverages and food are included in the price of the event.
Date: August 8th, 5pm - 11pm
Includes:
Dinner and non-alcoholic beverages
Limited to: 40 People
More: Workshop Information
Instructor: Eric von Aschwege
This three day carving class will focus on low-relief and incised techniques historically used in decorating arms, furniture, and other small period items. The workshop will give students an opportunity to study historic design principles, explore different carving methods, and learn how to utilize a small, budget-friendly selection of tools to achieve professional results. Students will learn proper sharpening techniques, practice drawings, and then carve those designs. For practice, the instructor will supply “try stocks” (blanks of wood shaped like a musket butt stock) or students can choose to carve on a board of maple, walnut, or cherry.
Even in challenging times, people have always decorated their everyday wares–household tools, firearms, instruments, furniture, and so on. Carving was nearly always found on civilian arms, as it didn’t use additional materials and labor was the cheapest part of production. Within regions, often within specific communities, particular styles of arms and their decorations evolved to become distinctly “American.” In New York, a unique combination of Dutch, French, and English influence can be found in carving and overall styling on guns manufactured before and during the American Revolution. Students will learn these various influences and try their hand at the design and carving process.
Students may bring their own unfinished "in the white" flintlock projects, with prior approval from the instructor. Students are encouraged to bring their own small furniture or houseware projects such as small stools, chairs, or boxes. Materials for carving will also be provided.
Note: A 4-8mm, 60 degree V parting tool chisel is required for use in class and is not included in the course fee. Students who already have one should bring their own. Please contact us if you would like the instructor’s recommendation. The instructor will provide additional chisels to share.
Duration: 3 Days
Dates: August 18th - 20th 2026
Includes:
Limited to: 8 Students
More: Workshop Information
All workshops begin at 9:30am on the first day of the program.
All participants must be 18+ years old.
Instructor: Michael Carver, the Regimental Brewmeister
This one-day workshop will combine two popular programs, instruction and demonstrations on 18th century brewing and hands-on colonial cocktail building. Led by Michael Carver, the Regimental Brewmeister in period presentation, this workshop will introduce participants to the methods, brews, and experience of a brewer from 1778. You will hear stories of the American Revolution and the variety of ways beer aided in the health and spirits of revolutionaries. In the Cocktail building program, participants will learn the history of tavern and parlor cocktails in the 18th Century, including preparing several cocktails they might have encountered in a tavern in British Colonial America in the 1770s.
All participants must be 21+. Proof of age will be required.
Class Agenda:
Introduction: High level overview of Tavern Culture in the 18th Century
History of beer, wine, and spirits in Colonial America
Antiscorbutic Preparations: How the Navy created the modern cocktail
First Cocktail preparation: Thomas Gimlette’s Gimlet
Extending the Shelf-life of Beer and other Brews: Rattleskulls and Fences
Second Cocktail preparation: the Hawthorn Fence
Medicinal Cocktails: Flips and Toddies
Third cocktail preparation: Hot Ale Flip
Social Drinks: Cocktails of High Society
Final Cocktail preparation: Fish House Punch
Date: August 9th, 10am - 4pm
Includes:
Limited to: 20 Students
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Instructor: John McMillen
This long-running workshop returns as an essential offering at Historic Eastfield Village since the first oven was built at a workshop in 1980. This 5-day course begins by providing an in-depth study of the American fireplace & oven through an illustrated lecture of regional types & construction materials. A large collection of original fireplace & oven materials, hardware & fittings are available for examination at Eastfield. Students working in groups of 3 or 4 construct a fireplace & oven using salvaged brick & lime mortar.
Duration: 5 Days
Dates: July 27th - 31st 2026
Includes:
Limited to: 8 Students
More: Workshop Information
All workshops begin at 9:30am on the first day of the program.
All participants must be 18+ years old.
Instructor: Andrea Myklebust
During this two-day workshop, participants will learn how to grow, harvest, ret, break, scutch and hackle flax fiber to produce flax fiber for spinning and other uses. We will learn how to use a distaff, and will explore spinning linen yarns with handspindles and spinning wheels. No prior spinning experience required. If you have a working spinning wheel you'd like to use, you are welcome to bring it.
Duration: 2 Days
Dates: June 20th - 21st 2026
Includes:
Limited to: 8 Students
More: Workshop Information
All workshops begin at 9:30am on the first day of the program.
All participants must be 18+ years old.
Instructor: Richard Eckert
This introductory workshop is designed to provide a basic working knowledge of early 19th century tinning tools, construction techniques, and pattern layout. The history of American tinning is covered in an illustrated talk. Students will construct several reproduction items such as a waiter, a one-pint mug, a wall sconce, and more if time permits. All projects are based on traditional designs, using period tools and methods.
Eastfield has been known for its high quality tinsmithing programs for many years. This new two-day program will allow those at the beginning of their journey into the world of historic tinsmithing to gain fundamental skills and knowledge. The more advanced five-day instruction will be held in August.
No previous experience is necessary.
Duration: 2 Days
Date: May 23th - 24th 2026
Includes:
All tools and tin
Limited to: 8 Students
More: Workshop Information
All workshops begin at 9:30am on the first day of the program.
All participants must be 18+ years old.
Instructor: Richard Eckert
Students with prior experience or those who have taken the Introduction to 19th Century Tinsmithing will expand on their skills by making more complex items of their choice. These items may include coffee pots, tea canisters, trunks, tin kitchens, and tin bakers. The history of American tinning is covered in an illustrated talk. All projects are based on traditional designs, using period tools and methods.
This five day program will run concurrently with the Advanced 18th Century Tinsmithing taught by Steve Delisle. Workshop participants must select one of these two programs but will benefit from the programs being held alongside each other.
Students must have prior experience or have taken the Introduction to 19th Century Tinsmithing in May.
Duration: 5 Days
Date: August 24th - 28th 2026
Includes:
All tools and tin
Limited to: 4 Students
More: Workshop Information
All workshops begin at 9:30am on the first day of the program.
All participants must be 18+ years old.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
In 1996, nine ceramic historians gathered at Historic Eastfield Village for the first “Dish Camp”, to talk about all things British and American ceramics. Bringing together ceramic historians, archaeologists and practicing potters, they created one of the first forums in which research and practical experience were studied across interdisciplinary lines. Since that time, the workshops have continued to explore the mechanics and meanings of ceramics from across the world. To mark the 30th Anniversary of Dish Camp, we will explore the past, present and future of ceramic scholarship and recount the contributions that so many have made to this remarkable field.
Lunch provided daily; a hearth-cooked dinner at Briggs Tavern on Saturday night also included.
The speaker roster will be forthcoming. Student rates are available. Please contact eastfeldvillage@gmail.com for more information.
Duration: 2 Days
Dates: June 26th - 27th 2026
Includes:
Lunch both days
Dinner on Saturday night
FREE Historic Accommodation
More: Workshop Information
All workshops begin at 9:30am on the first day of the program.
All participants must be 18+ years old.