Leather care in Virginia

Carpenter's Yard is a museum located at 401 East Nicholson Street, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States. The Historic Trades and Skills community at Colonial Williamsburg uses 18th-century tools and techniques to apprentice in and master more than 20 historic trades and skills. From woodworking trades such as carpenters, joiners, and cabinetmakers, to apparel tradespeople like weavers, tailors, and wigmakers, visitors can watch expert craftspeople create intricate pieces using period hand tools. Additionally, visitors can explore trades such as leather breeches making, shoemaking, metalworking, and specialized trades like apothecaries and bookbinders. The institution also features a farm to table trades program, where historic cooks prepare authentic colonial dishes and gardeners grow vegetables and herbs using 18th-century tools. The museum also showcases a coach and livestock team caring for rare breed animals that complement the living history on display. The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums provide visitors with a glimpse into 18th-century military music. As a non-state or federally funded institution, Carpenter's Yard relies on individual donations to fulfill its mission of preserving history for future generations. Visitors can renew their membership with a donation of $50 or more to claim special benefits and support the museum's efforts.