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:
Historic games and “chores” presented by EHS volunteers
Sunday’s Demonstrators:
Historic games and “chores” presented by EHS volunteers
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.