Learn an historic trade at NYC’s only living history village!
Historic Richmond Town’s rich array of apprenticeships build real-world skills based upon centuries of American ingenuity. The program is a wonderful alternative to the tried and true summer camp.
Individualized sessions in the Historic Trades are conducted in small groups of less than five and accelerate learning as students work with an experienced Artisan to build their skills forging iron, shaping tin, and cooking over an open fire as they create one-of-a-kind, hand crafted items. The historic settings are fully furnished for an immersive and hands-on practice. Apprentices will visit the other trades during their week to add to the fun and the 360-degree learning.
At the end of each session, apprentices will have the ability to present their trade and lead a specialized tour of their workshop to visitors and their families.
2021 Apprentice Program Schedule:
Session 1 (July 5-9)
Session 2 (July 12-16)
Session 3 (July 19-23)
Session 4 (July 26-30)
Session 5 (Aug 2-6)
The Apprentice Program is divided into two areas:
Junior Apprentice Program (Ages 8-11): Experience 19th century life with daily activities led by Historical Interpreters, including nature walks, crafts, historic games, and sample each of the Summer Apprentice Trades. Make your own candles, marbled paper, and try your hand at hearth cooking, just to name a few!. Participants wear period clothing and are immersed in the village site.
Registration for the 2021 Junior Apprentice Program is now closed.
Summer Apprentice Program: (Ages 12-15): Choose an apprenticeship and learn the basic skills of an early American tradesperson. Weave your own basket, cook over an open hearth, swing a hammer as an apprenticed blacksmith, or learn the fine arts of the tinsmith or carpenter. Participants work closely with highly skilled historic tradespeople, creating items using period techniques and tools. Summer Apprentice experiences inspire lifelong learning, instill a deep appreciation for history and a healthy work ethic.
Registration for the 2021 Summer Apprentice Program is now closed.
Apprenticeships Offered:
Blacksmithing
Carpentry
Tinsmithing
Basket Making
Hearth Cooking
Covid-19 Safety
The Apprentice Programs at Historic Richmond Town are scaled to be small and intimate for the betterment of the experience and instruction, which is conducive for a safe environment.
Most activities will be held outdoors or in well ventilated buildings with low capacity.
Participants are required to bring their own lunch.
Additional handwashing & hand sanitizing will be a part of the daily regimen.