Framing and Finishing: Woodworking in the Colonial Age

Well before America declared its independence in 1776, a building boom across the colonies meant that architects, carpenters, and artisans needed expertise, materials, and tools. Tools were specific to the role of carpenter, joiner, master, journeyman, apprentice, and the unskilled labor force, which would have included slave labor.

This exhibition represents more than 50 user-made and commercially produced house building tools utilized by 18th century woodworkers. Tools for framing a house, along with those for finishing the interior–floors, doors, cornices, windows, shutters, and chair rails-are represented. British and American wood planes, measuring devices, knives and saws, braces, and other implements are each a piece of art, each used for a specific purpose. We acknowledge the skill and resourcefulness of these craftsmen and their part in building a new nation.