Students use antique tools to experience the building process from beginning to end. The skilled work of all craftspersons including Africans, Europeans, and Americans, is presented. A brief construction tour of Drayton Hall s main house is conducted to introduce students to the skills and trades necessary to build this type of structure in 18th century Charleston.
Students then sign an indenture using a quill pen and divide into smaller workgroups.
Each student will have an opportunity to experience every activity including building a wall, running a plane, pouring a mold, and hanging slates. The workshop area is set up outside on the grounds of Drayton hall. Students will enjoy the experience best if dressed for the weather and for work activities. The grounds are often wet. Canopies, providing some shelter from the weather cover the excavation area.