Historic Richmond Town

Summer

Anna Maj; Tinsmithing

"I don't know whether it was the joys of making something by hand and seeing the tangible fruits of my labor; whether it was singing hearty, happy songs with the tinsmiths as we banged away; or whether it was eating homemade ice cream and lemon chess pie on the 4th of July. Participating in the apprenticeship program has added so much color and so many friends to my life.” --Anna Maj

Maria Conte; Basketmaking

“While I don’t know what I was expecting when I first came to Historic Richmond Town in 2011, I do know that it ended up being a second home that far exceeded any expectation I could have had. Aside from learning how to avoid accidentally setting my petticoat on fire while cooking, I learned a lot about history, people, and love in general. It was a place where everyone was welcome and an environment that brought about meaningful relationships. Seven years later, I still talk to my mentor, who taught me a lot more about life than just basket making (although basket making is very important). And a casual friend from middle school who did the program with me ended up becoming my best friend and currently my college roommate. Even though I’ve long aged out of the program, my time as an apprentice continues to play a huge part in who I am as a person. Being there gave me a level of confidence and support that I hadn’t found anywhere else, and I am forever grateful for the memories that Richmond Town has given me.” —Maria Conte

Christopher Browne; Tinsmithing

“I took the apprenticeship course in tinsmithing, looking for a historical experience, and I found it! I started at the bottom, cutting circles, but worked my way to making objects like cups, trays and sconces using tools and techniques that, without historic villages like Richmond Town, may have disappeared entirely. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the master Tinsmith is always there to lend a helping hand so that you may succeed.” –Christopher Brown

“The summers I spent as an apprentice at Historic Richmond Town were some of the best summers I’ve ever had! Learning basket making, cooking in the Guyon Lake Tysen House, and dancing in the Town Hall were just part of what made the apprenticeship such a memorable experience. The people who work at Historic Richmond Town are so knowledgeable and fun and taught me so much during my time here. I made lifelong friends here and still love to come back to volunteer.”
--Lindsay Hyman

For decades, young people have learned historical trades through our immersive Summer Apprentice Program. This year, the program is being relaunched as High School Apprenticeships.

What are High School Apprenticeships?

This Summer, New York City high school students are invited to participate in a unique service learning experience at Historic Richmond Town. Students between the ages of 13 and 18, enrolled in grades 9-12 (including rising 9th graders starting in the fall), can work alongside Historic Richmond Town staff during the Open Village Season.

Through July and August, up to three days a week, apprentices can learn a living history trade such as tinsmithing or broom making; apprentices can also work with the Education management team, assisting with administrative work behind-the-scenes, program development, interpretation, and our living history education costume collection.

Apprentices serve as volunteers, supporting the Open Village, in which visitors experience the working village staffed by Historical Interpreters. Apprenticeship shifts fall within the Open Village Schedule, Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-4pm. Participants gain real-world experience that prepares them for their future careers, whether they choose to work in museums or elsewhere.

Interested?

Space is limited for this 2024 season, but interested youth may express interest using this form.

FILL OUT AN INTEREST FORM

Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

At Historic Richmond Town, everyone is welcome.

Historic Richmond Town believes in the dignity and the intrinsic worth of every human being. We welcome, affirm, and support young people and adults of all abilities and disabilities, experiences, races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, religion and non-religion, citizenship and immigration status, and any other category people use to define themselves or others.

Equity Statement

Historic Richmond Town strives to continuously provide diverse, inclusive, and equitable environments throughout our organizations and programs. We recognize that both access to and success in our programs requires intentional work, to cultivate respect, eliminate systemic barriers, and address injustice head-on. At Historic Richmond Town we believe that words must be followed by progress, action, and accountability. We recognize that our efforts will be ongoing and evolving as we continue to grow, learn, collaborate, and press for an equitable future.

Inclusion in Our Programs

Youth of all backgrounds and abilities are welcome at Historic Richmond Town. Our staff will work with parents and guardians to ensure a successful experience. We encourage parents to be open with us about your participant's needs, so that we can determine how best to provide support.

Code of Conduct

At Historic Richmond Town we are dedicated to providing an excellent experience for our participants. To accomplish this goal, apprentices are expected to behave appropriately and promote a safe, fun and healthy environment. Our goal is to promote character values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all aspects of our program.