Adzes, Froes & Hammers: Wilton Historical Society Woodworking Workshop for Kids Building a Birdhouse

What is an adze and what might you use it for? Ever heard of a froe? These and other antique tools, plus hammers, saws and nails will be explored at this Wilton Historical Society woodworking workshop for kids. Participants will have an opportunity to see a remarkable collection of more than 600 antique tools in the Society’s 1860 Abbott Barn’s “Tools of the Trades” permanent exhibit. Museum educator Laurie Walker will talk about some of the tools in the collection, and discuss safety and the ways that colonial children would be expected to use those tools. Then it will be time for participants to use some hand tools (and a power drill) to build their own birdhouses. They’ll also enjoy a snack of puff pastry cheese straws.

This program will have an additional materials fee of $5. For safety reasons, this workshop is strictly limited to 12 participants.

Suggested for ages 6-12. The cost for Wilton Historical Society members is $10/child, maximum $25/family; for non-members the cost is $15/child, maximum $35/family. Please register via email or by calling 203.762.7257.

Did You Know?

According to Historyrocket.com:  “In colonial times, every utility item had to be made by hand. Craftsmen made furniture, tools, wheels, utensils, glass and more. Master craftspeople owned shops in which they sold their products for money or used the barter system of trade. Craftspeople did not learn their trades by going to school.

“Instead, as youngsters between the ages of 10 to 15, they learned their craft by being apprentices to master craftspeople. As apprentices, they served their masters for 4 to 7 years and thus learnt the secrets of a trade. At the end of their contract, apprentices had to produce a finished product called a ‘master-piece’. It was named so because the product was judged by their master. If the product passed the master’s inspection, the apprentice passed his apprenticeship and became a journeyman. Journeymen traveled to nearby villages, making and repairing goods until they could save enough money to open their own shop. . . . Many tools were used in colonial times such as the scuppets, axes, funnels, compasses, files, augers, gimlets, braces, chisels, gouges, drawknives, hammers, saws, squares and bevels. Each tool had its own specified usage.”