Join us as EHS celebrates early American crafts and trades skills with demonstrations, hands-on activities, kid crafts, and sales booths. Dates: Saturday–Sunday, June 27–28, 2026 Time: Noon–4:00 PM Location: Pratt House Grounds, 19 West Avenue, Essex, CT Admission: Free | Audience: All ages This two-day event will feature demonstrations, talks, hands-on activities, and sales booths focused on early American crafts and trades. The program is designed to engage a broad public audience and showcase traditional craftsmanship. Weekend Lineup Saturday’s Demonstrators: Chair caning with Saye-Brooke Strip Shop Bill Treiss: Joiner/Wood crafts Derek Collins with Torch and Steel, Blacksmith Kate Russell with Duck Island Designs, Candle dipping Missing Manes and More, Broom-making Shut the Door Farm, Spinning Sunday’s Demonstrators: Bill Treiss: Joiner/Wood crafts Baird Welch-Collins, Blacksmith Demonstration Kate Russell, Candle dipping demonstration Arch One Glass, Glass-making Missing Manes and More, Broom-making Olympia Farm, Spinning Deep River Ice Enjoy a cool treat while you watch the demonstrations. Deep River Ice will be onsite both days selling ice cream and Italian ice! EHS is Seeking Demonstrators and Vendors Essex Historical Society (EHS) invites artisans working in traditional materials and techniques to participate in an upcoming public program presented as part of Essex’s America 250 celebrations. While the anniversary will be officially observed on July 4, 2026, EHS will offer a series of programs throughout the year highlighting American history, stories, and culture. We’re interested in artisans specializing in historic crafts and materials including: Fiber arts, dying techniques, and woven textile creation Container creation: pottery, basket weaving, gourd crafts Woodworking and carving Candle making Leatherwork Jams, jellies, and preserved foods Metalsmithing Papermaking Tool/houseware construction Interested artisans should please fill out this form or to request further information, please contact Kate Savage, membership@essexhistory.org.
Private, non-profit historical society of Essex, CT, which engages and inspires the community in the villages of Centerbrook, Essex and Ivoryton.
