The Philadelphia area has a long tradition of natural history illustration going back to Charles Wilson Peale’s natural history museum and the establishment of first art school in the country –The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Continuing this naturalistic tradition, we are offering a unique opportunity to experience our historical farm family via a beginner animal drawing workshop. Guided by an experienced artist you will be introduced to a variety of techniques, sources of inspiration and suggestions for structuring your own drawing practice.

Instructor Bio: 

Beth Haebel is a visual artist who has exhibited in juried shows and galleries in the area. She has been a volunteer at Colonial Farmstead for over ten years and has recently turned her attention to creating naturalistic paintings the animals who live and work at our farm. She has taught drawing and painting in a variety of settings including community art centers and museums.

Light refreshments will provided but we suggest you bring lunch. We will be working primarily on a table but you are welcome to bring a portable chair or stool.

Materials Needed:

Inexpensive newsprint pad approx. 8 x 10

Spiral bound sketchbook approximately 11 x 14

Number 2 or HB pencils, pen felt tip or ballpoint

Eraser – White pearl or pink

Explore the traditional skill and art of tilling using historical techniques and manual tools. This hands-on session led by the Farmstead’s Historic Farm Manager will cover manual tilling techniques, dealing with sward, soil health, and integrated gardening. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to prepare a productive field or plot using hand tools and labor.

Limit 10 participants

$25 members/$45 non-members

SOLD OUT

Discover why Pennsylvania was known as the “breadbasket” of the colonies and how the production of bread and cheese was essential to daily life and the local economy. Participants will step into the colonial kitchen to prepare bread and cheese and have the opportunity to sample flavors of the past.

$55 members/$75 non-members

Limit 8 participants 

SOLD OUT: Please email director@colonialfarmstead.org to be put on waitlist.

Baskets were essential in the colonial period for gathering, marketing, and everyday household tasks; an indispensable tool in both town and farm life. Led by instructor, Karen Wychock, participants in this hands-on workshop will create a square storage basket, measuring 10" x 10" x 11", using traditional techniques.

All materials are provided. Attendees are asked to bring an apron or towel, as the reed will be worked wet. The workshop runs from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM and includes a 30-minute lunch break; participants should plan to bring their own lunch.

Limit 12 students

$80 members, $100 non members

Registration closes May 15.

Learn more about instructor Karen Wychock. 

Local artist and instructor, Veronica Batter, will guide you through the experience of creating your vision of our 18th century working farm using various inks made at the farm, including black walnut ink. Try your hand at drawing with a quill pen or brush. Some drawing experience is helpful but not necessary.  All supplies will be provided.

Plants provide some of the most beautiful artistic inspiration in nature. 18th century European exploration exposed people to flora and fauna they’d never before seen in forms they’d never have imagined.  From adult coloring books to detailed documentation of newly discovered species, people in the 18th century were using art to experience their expanding world.  In this class we will take inspiration from historic  artists/scientists and experience the beauty of fruits roots and flowers using crayon and colored pencil. 

Please bring the following materials:

Prismacolor Colored Pencils 12 count set

White or pink pearl eraser

Number 2 or HB Pencil

Sketchbook 9 x 12

Instructor will provide additional materials

Instructor Bio: 

Beth Haebel is a visual artist who has exhibited in juried shows and galleries in the area. She has been a volunteer at Colonial Farmstead for over ten years and has recently turned her attention to creating naturalistic paintings the animals who live and work at our farm. She has taught drawing and painting in a variety of settings including community art centers and museums.

12 participants

$35 members/$55 non-members

Explore the vital role of blacksmiths in the ‘everyday revolution’ moving beyond the battlefield to the essential tools and hardware that kept colonial farms and households running during the conflict. Participants will step up to the forge and gain hands-on experience and a final take home project under the instruction of the Farmstead’s experienced blacksmiths.

Experience how families prepared food in the 18th century with an emphasis on seasonality by preparing a fall feast in the colonial kitchen. Participants will prepare an 18th century meal and taste what they’ve created.

$55 members/$75 non-members

Limit 8 participants

Natural materials have been used for centuries to produce a wide range of colors. Learn about natural dyeing in the 18th century and the common dye plants grown in the farm’s garden as well as those from around the world.

8 participants 

$35 members/$55 non-members

Cooking was an essential part of everyday life on the farm. Experience how farm families prepared food in the 18th century by preparing a meal in the colonial kitchen! Participants will have an opportunitiy to taste what they’ve created.

$55 members/$75 non-members

Limit 8 participants

Save the Date! Workshop lead by local artist and instructor, Veronica Batter.

Natural materials have been used for centuries to produce a wide range of colors. Learn about natural dyeing in the 18th century and the common dye plants grown in the farm’s garden as well as those from around the world.

8 participants 

$35 members/$55 non-members

Learn about the soap making process used for laundry in the 18th century, including making lye using a lye barrel. Participants will make their own soap to take home!

$40 members/$55 non-members

Limit 8 participants

Explore the vital role of blacksmiths in the ‘everyday revolution’ moving beyond the battlefield to the essential tools and hardware that kept colonial farms and households running during the conflict. Participants will step up to the forge and gain hands-on experience and a final take home project under the instruction of the Farmstead’s experienced blacksmiths.