Mike Welch portrays Amos Pearson, a carpenter and Revolutionary War soldier.

On Saturday, August 10, the Museum of Old Newbury will host the special event “Meet a Colonial Carpenter” with reenactor Mike Welch.  This family-friendly event will take place from 10:00-11:00am on the museum’s campus at 98 High Street, Newburyport.  Space is limited and reservations are requested; contact info@newburyhistory.org or 978-462-2681 to make a reservation.

At the event, Mike Welch will portray Amos Pearson, a Newbury carpenter and Revolutionary War soldier.  Houses, ships, and furniture were all made of wood during the colonial era, and each required special knowledge and tools.  Welch will demonstrate the use of many of these tools, especially those used in building a house.  He will explain the process from start to finish, beginning with how to turn trees into boards and beams, and eventually how to put them together to create a house.

“Meet a Colonial Carpenter” is part of the museum’s series of four family-friendly living history programs offered bi-monthly, April-October.  These programs aim to engage young audiences with hands-on activities and demonstrations.  Reenactor Mike Welch, a former teacher, is a member of the reenacting group Glover’s Marblehead Regiment, and has presented educational programs at museums across northern New England.