Old Economy Village Summer Camp: Crafting the Past – July 20-24

This summer, embark on an exciting, hands-on journey through history at our museum’s Crafting the Past Summer Camp! Designed for young learners, this immersive program offers the chance to explore traditional crafts, learn valuable skills, and discover the fascinating world of historic trades.
​Throughout the camp, participants will dive into a wide variety of activities, all while learning about the tools, techniques, and hard work that shaped our world. Campers will not only enjoy learning about the history of these crafts, but they will also gain practical experience and develop workforce skills that will serve them for years to come.
Camp Activities Include:
Woodworking: Using tools like saws, hammers, and sanders, campers will build a birdhouse inspired by traditional carpentry. They'll gain an understanding of basic woodworking techniques while creating something unique and functional to take home.
Weaving: Learn how coding was used throughout history in textiles. Campers will weave a rug or neck scarf on a floor loom, code their names, and needle felt a garden critter with sheep wool.
Blacksmithing and Metalworking: Campers will be introduced to the basics metalworking, using safe, age-appropriate tools to create simple objects. They'll learn the ancient craft of blacksmithing and design their own small projects that showcase their creativity and problem-solving skills.
Printing Press: Step into the shoes of early printers as campers try their hand at using a historic printing press. They'll print their own designs and learn how printing transformed communication and the workforce in centuries past.
Bee Keeping: Back to nature! Campers will learn about bees and bee keeping. Something the Harmony Society did when they lived in the town of Economy.
​Whether they’re building with wood, working with metal, or learning about bees, your child will leave this camp with new skills, a deeper appreciation for history, and a sense of accomplishment.
Camp Details:
Ages: 9-12 years old
Dates: July 20th – 24th, 2026
Times: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Old Economy Village
1401 Church Street Ambridge, PA 15003
Cost Nonmembers: $125, $105 multi-youth from same household (enrolled same week)
Cost Members: $100, $80 multi-youth from same household (enrolled same week)