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Craftsmen to the Past back to Directory

photo of young girl dressed in period costume at Black Powder and PaintLiving History Weekend
October 9, 10, 2009

10 am to 5 pm Friday* & Saturday
Arts & Artisans Recreating the Past, entertainment, exhibits and demonstrations of crafts of the period from 1750 to 1800. Historic Court Circle on Main Street, Gloucester.

Step into a Revolutionary adventure on Gloucester's historic Court Green. Experience what life was like between 1750 and 1800. Mingle with modern-day craftsmen and women recognized as tops in their fields and learn about early gunsmithing, knife making, engraving, powder horn making, period dressmaking, tinsmithing, and weaving.  The art show features the works of local artist, Sam Cole and other world-renowned artists. A special treat for young and old, experienced sewers or novices, are the "Make a Colonial Rag Doll" classes. The $10 fee includes all materials and instruction and pre-registration is recommended.

Re-enactors and colonial traders are encamped on the Court Green for the entire weekend.  Period clothing, accessories and wares are for sale all three days.  No admission fee.

For more information or to register for Make A Colonial Rag Doll class,
call 693-0014 or toll free at 1-866-847-4887.

* Friday, October 9 - 10 am to 5 pm (school tours from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm)

2008 participants:

  • Engraver & Powder Horn Maker - Mark Thomas

  • Seamstress - Bonnie Griffie, many items of clothing and leather bags for sale

  • Sash Weaver - Shayna Sweigart, her sashes were worn in The Alamo

  • Woodturner - George Lott, crafter of bagpipes.  The manually operated wood lathe built by Mr. Lott.

  • His Majesty's Independent Companies of Roger's Rangers

  • Colonial Picaroons aka Rumskulls

  • Pharmacist aka Dr. Bloodsworth

  • Art Show


  • Gloucester 1754 - The opening shots of the French and Indian War were fired by a Virginia regiment commanded by the young, inexperienced Virginia, George Washington.

  • Governor Dinwiddie, concerned with French encroachments on Virginia's distant frontier, tasked Washington to recruit a force of 300 men, with which to repel the invaders; and unknowingly sowed the seeds of the American Revolution.

  • Since Gloucester was the most prosperous and populous county in the 13 colonies, it is very possible that at least some of the recruits in George's ragged militia were from Gloucester County.


Sponsored by Gloucester Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

For information on this Special Event call 804-693-0014 or email

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Gloucester Parks, Recreation & Tourism - 6467 Main Street - Gloucester, VA 23061 - 804-693-2355 - Email

Last Update by D. Carter June 03, 2009