Historic New England. Colonial Trades: Making Community Work
During this hands on workshop, students learn what community life was like on the Pierce Farm during the years leading up to the Revolution. A pre-visit activity based on Colonel Samuel Pierce's account book, a primary source, allows students to take on the roles of actual 18th century Dorchester residents, including farmers, weavers, and blacksmiths. Students learn about the goods and services each of their characters provided to the community and play a bartering game that mimics the economic system of colonial Dorcheser. Reproduction artifacts are used in a matching game where student volunteers must match common household artifacts fromthe pre-Revolution era with contemporary versions.
For more information, visit the Historic New England website.
