Fun(d)-raising with historic crafts

The knitting group is one of several Historic Craft Projects ongoing at the Blacksmith Shop. Stop in weekly on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30pm to learn more.

submitted by Annette Siffin, Manchester Area Historical Society

The Manchester Historic Craft Project at the Blacksmith Shop Museum is an organization that demonstrates and encourages hands-on experience with historic crafts: blacksmithing, weaving, spinning, rug-hooking, etc. and as a result is building a community of interested people. Recently, we held a Sunday event for the sorting and skirting of locally sheared fleeces.

To encourage volunteers to join us in our endeavor, while at the same time teaching historic craft and selling it to sustain the program, the textile area of the Project will be offering a weekly gathering on Thursday evenings, beginning June 8 from 6:30 to 8:30pm at the Blacksmith Shop Museum. The focus will be to craft items that can be sold in our gift shops. Instruction and materials will be provided. The items we make will use techniques and craft that are demonstrated on Sundays and special events, such as: rug hooking, wool appliqué, paper cutting, spinning, weaving, and other craft that we expand into our program.

Consider joining us to learn, teach, volunteer, and create a sustainable community program. More information on the Manchester Historic Craft Project will be found on our soon-to-launch website, ManchesterHistoricCraftProject.com. We are located at the Blacksmith Shop Museum, 324 E Main St, in downtown Manchester.

We are also requesting specific tools and materials for donation that can be dropped off on Sundays at the Blacksmith Shop Museum. Our current wish list includes a  Treadle Sewing Machine in working order, 100% woven wool fabric (bolt, lightweight blanket—army/navy, skirt, trousers), and 100% linen fabric (bolt or clothing).

The Manchester Historic Craft Project works under the umbrella of the Manchester Area Historical Society — Helping You Make History (mahsmi.org).

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.