Classes & Workshops Artisan Workshop Series

Artisan Workshop: Make a Ditty Bag

April 8, 2023 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

April 8, 2023 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Museum of the American Revolution
Purchase Tickets Member Tickets

Ticket Pricing:
Public - $95
Member - $75

Difficulty: This is a beginner workshop and no previous sewing experience is required.

A canvas ditty bag with a fid, sewing needles, and a thimble.

Join us for this one-day, in-person workshop to learn “plain sewing” to create a Revolutionary sailor’s linen ditty bag, similar to a modern tote bag. Museum staff will discuss the history of sailmaking and sailors’ bags, inspired by our special exhibition, Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia, and offer instruction on basic hand-sewing. Visit a recreation of James Forten’s sail loft and use historical tools and techniques to complete a ditty bag to take home. This is a beginner workshop and no previous sewing experience is required.

This workshop includes a break for lunch participants are welcome to bring their own lunch or purchase lunch upon arrival.

Learn More

A father holds his child as they look at the Forten family tree in the Museum's Black Founders exhibit.

Exhibits

Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia

Now Open Daily, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

In our newest special exhibition Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia, explore the story of James Forten and his descendants as they navigated the American Revolution and cross-racial relationships in Philadelphia to later become leaders in the abolition movement in the lead-up to the Civil War.

Explore Exhibit

Image 101220 Foop Williamsburg Sewing Tent 0

Artisan Workshop Series

Learn tricks of 18th-century trades and meet others while discovering new talents in making and doing. Then, try your hand at creating your own replica.

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Image 032822 Declaration Of Independence Family Galleries

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