The Art of Shoemaking, 4/2/17, 2:00 to 4:00

Shoes have been a necessity of human life since prehistoric days.  In fact, the oldest surviving leather shoe is approximately 5,500 years old!  The first shoemakers arrived in America at Jamestown in 1610, and the trade began to thrive shortly afterwards.  The art of the shoemaker, or cordwainer, was a time-consuming handcraft, requiring an apprenticeship, long hours and specialized tools to produce high-quality shoes.  Ms. Ellen Hess will spotlight this craft, explaining the process as she demonstrates the work of the cordwainer in 18^th century America. The program also features a display of vintage shoemaking artifacts.  Included are tours of the fully furnished farmhouse built in 1740.  Members of the cooking committee will also demonstrate authentic open hearth cooking, using early American recipes, colonial era cooking tools and seasonal foods.   Admission is $4.00 for adults and children 13 and older, $3.00 for children ages 3 to 12 and free under age 3. The program is appropriate for children.