Families attending Buckland’s historic open houses are invited to get curious about daily life in the 18th and 19th centuries. What might we learn by stepping into a Saltbox House, or by noticing the tools left behind in a Shoemaker’s Shop? Visitors to the Wilder Homestead can explore questions like how shoes were made, who made them, and what skills were needed in a time before factories. At the former schoolhouse—now the Buckland Historical Society Museum—three floors of local artifacts offer opportunities to reflect on how education, craftsmanship, and community life have shaped the region’s identity over time.
SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING
This short video introduces the fascinating world of 18th-century shoemaking, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the tools, techniques, and teamwork involved in creating everyday footwear. Follow each step in the process—from cutting leather to burnishing the final product—and learn about the differences between a shoemaker and a cobbler. As a companion to visiting the Shoemaker’s Shop at the Wilder Homestead, this video encourages viewers to ask questions about trade skills, material culture, and the value of handmade work in both the past and the present.
