All of the Roscoe Village hands-on activities are based on crafts practiced during the Canal Era.  As part of your session, one of our trained interpreters will present appropriate historic interpretation and instructions. Unless otherwise noted, each activity can accommodate up to 30 participants at one time and is structured to last 20 – 30 minutes.  Group leaders may pre-schedule two activities for their entire group through our Education Department at 800-877-1830.

Hands-on crafts - $3.50 per person for 2 crafts

 Tin Punching

Practice the craft of a tinsmith by transforming a simple piece of tin into a decorative ornament. Recommend grade 2 and higher. Craft involves the use of a hammer and nail. Younger children should have adult assistance.

 Candle Dipping

Using only their fingers and a piece of pre-cut wicking, participants hand-dip the wick to form their own small pair of candles. Recommend grade K and higher.

 Weaving

The earliest weavers used a slotted wooden frame, yarn and their fingers to practice their craft. Participants can duplicate these early methods to create their small (approx. 2” square) weaving to take home. Recommend grade 4 and higher.  Suggest no more than 20 students per session. Younger children can successfully complete this craft, but may need additional adult assistance. As practice, it may be helpful for school students to make a woven paper craft before their visit to Roscoe Village.

 Rope Making

When the captain needed rope to secure his canal boat to its moorings, he made a visit to the local rope-maker. Join in the fun of twisting rope from simple jute twine.  The length of rope can be left intact or the group leader can add knots and cut it into souvenir sections for the students. Appropriate for all grades. 

Top Painting

After learning about some Canal Era toys, participants are invited to decorate a wooden top, a 19^th century favorite, using washable paint. Note: Since the paint needs time to dry, this hands-on activity will be scheduled early in your day at Roscoe Village. Appropriate for all grades.  Limit to 20 students per session. (Paint shirts are not provided.)

 Design a Quilt Square

Nineteenth century quilters often used the patterns of the day, but the colors of the design made it their own personal creation. Using a traditional pattern, participants cut pieces from their color blocks to create and arrange their design. The resulting quilt square can become the basis for a wall hanging or pillow that they can fashion at home. Involves the use of scissors and fabric glue. Recommend grade 3 and higher.  Limit to a maximum of 10 students per session.