Colonial Trades: Making Community Work

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What did people do for work in colonial times?

At Pierce House or Your Site

Students learn what life was like on Pierce Farm during the years leading up to the Revolution. A pre-visit activity based on Colonel Samuel Pierce’s account book allows students to take on the roles of real 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 the colonial Dorchester. Hands-on spinning and weaving activities allow students to further explore the production of goods using colonial resources and technology.

colonial_trades

Request This Program

Available weekdays, year-round, for grades 3 – 5.

At the Museum
2.5 hours, maximum group size: 25.
Cost: Up to 14 students: $100. 15 – 25 students: $175

At Your Site
1.5 hours, maximum group size: 30 students per program
Cost: 1 program: $125. 2 programs (same day): $215. 3 programs (same day): $305

Type of Program: Field Trips, Programs to Go

Related Topics: Colonial Life, Fiber Arts, Revolutionary Period

Sample Primary Source: In the page from his account book shown below, Colonel Samuel Pierce of Dorchester keeps track of the goods and services he traded with his brother, Edward Pierce, between the years 1774-1776. This account book is part of Historic New England Library and Archives collection.