Essex Celebrates American Crafts and Trades

Join EHS as we celebrate 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:

Chair caning with Saye-Brooke Strip Shop. Noon-2:00pm demo and sales booth

Bill Treiss: Joiner/Wood crafts Noon-4:00pm

Derek Collins, Blacksmith: 11:00am-4:00pm

Kate Russell with Duck Island Designs, Candle dipping demonstration noon-4:00pm

Caroline Ahmed, fiber artist noon-4:00pm

Remi Buxton, weaver noon-4:00pm

Sunday’s Demonstrators:

Bill Treiss: Joiner/Wood crafts both days Noon-4:00pm

Baird Welch-Collins, Blacksmith Demonstration Noon-4:00pm

Kate Russell, Candle dipping demonstration noon-4:00pm