Discover the art of broom making at Davenport House Museum with Julia Jarrett. A hands-on experience rooted in local history, perfect for craft lovers and history buffs alike.
Discover the art of broom making at Davenport House Museum with Julia Jarrett. A hands-on experience rooted in local history, perfect for craft lovers and history buffs alike.
Book with Davenport House Museum
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Davenport House Museum · Savannah, Georgia
Located in the historic Davenport House Museum, this hands-on workshop offers a rare chance to connect with a traditional craft in a setting rich with history. Led by Julia Jarrett of Made by Venus Moon, participants learn the art of broom making using natural materials, a skill rooted in centuries of American folk culture. The museum, established in 1824, provides an authentic backdrop that brings the craft to life, making each participant feel part of a living tradition. During the workshop, you’ll discover the different types of straw and binding techniques, understanding how these brooms were essential tools for daily life. The experience isn’t just about making; it's about connecting with a piece of history that has shaped local communities for generations. Whether you're a craft enthusiast or simply curious, this event offers a memorable way to engage with cultural heritage. The museum itself showcases artifacts and exhibits that highlight the region’s colonial past, adding depth to your visit. After the workshop, you have a unique keepsake and a newfound appreciation for an age-old craft. This activity is perfect for history buffs, DIY lovers, or anyone looking for a meaningful cultural experience in the heart of a historic neighborhood. The friendly atmosphere ensures all skill levels are welcome—no prior experience needed—and you'll leave with a handcrafted broom and stories to tell. Visiting the Davenport House Museum for this workshop means immersing yourself in local history while gaining practical knowledge you can take home. It’s a distinctive way to experience the area, combining craftsmanship, history, and community connection in a single afternoon.
easy.
2 hours.
No physical fitness required, just steady hands and patience.
No experience is necessary; this workshop is designed for beginners.
Wear comfortable, old clothes that you don’t mind getting fibers on.
The class lasts approximately two hours.
Yes, you'll leave with your own handcrafted broom.
Adults and older children are welcome, but children need to be supervised.
All necessary tools and materials are included in the workshop fee.
Broom making was a vital craft in early American households, with techniques passed down through generations.
The workshop emphasizes sustainable practices, using natural, biodegradable materials sourced locally.
Davenport House Museum in Savannah, GA, preserves and interprets a finely restored Federal-style home built in 1820. The museum offers guided tours, self-guided visits, workshops, seasonal festivals, and educational events that highlight domestic life, architectural preservation, and community history. Knowledgeable docents lead guided tours through elegantly furnished rooms while sharing documented stories of the Davenport family and the 13 enslaved workers who lived and worked at the house. The museum also presents shorter programs such as the Old Chan Magic Talks that illuminate the building’s time as a tenement and its connection to Savannah’s Chinese-American Chan family. Hands-on offerings include broom making and seasonal craft workshops, plus collaborative public events like the Davenport House Fall Arts Festival and Holiday Wreath Decorating held nearby in Columbia Square and at the Historic Kennedy Pharmacy. Visitors can choose a self-guided tour across the first three floors to explore architecture and exhibition panels at their own pace, or attend specialized demonstrations and family-focused preservation activities. Davenport House Museum documents ongoing conservation efforts and engages visitors with visible preservation work and interpretive signage. The site maintains archival records and educational resources to support research and school programs. As an established historic house museum in Savannah’s historic district, Davenport House Museum partners with local cultural organizations and relies on trained staff and volunteers to ensure accurate, responsibly presented history for scholars, families, and visitors seeking an authentic window into early 19th-century Savannah life. Programming is suitable for researchers, students, families, and cultural heritage visitors and scholars.
Book with Davenport House Museum