Made to Last: The Art and Craft of Shoe Making

In 2025, the Connecticut Museum is celebrating its 200th birthday! We’re excited to present a series of programs that will shine a light on some of our most treasured collection items.

In this program, Connecticut shoemaker Andrew Rowand will utilize historic shoes from the CMCH collection to showcase the living craft and tradition of shoemaking from the 18th century to the present day. You’ll have an opportunity to see several pairs of historic shoes from our collection up close!

This program was inspired by one of our earliest acquisitions: a pair of shoes belonging to Hannah Edwards of East Windsor, made by Hannah and her sister Mary in about 1746, probably for Hannah’s wedding. Each silk shoe was carefully embroidered with silk and metallic thread, a proud testament to the skill of the Edwards sisters. The museum acquired the shoes in 1840, at a time when most historical societies were only interested in collecting items related to prominent men.

About Our Speaker: Andrew Rowand has worked as a shoemaker, for a decade. His work focuses on recreating examples of historical artifacts from the 17th century through the 19th century using period tools, materials, and methods. He has currently undertaken researching and cataloguing shoes found in early New England structures as part of his work.  When he is not doing research or making shoes, Andrew currently serves as the curator and site administrator of the Eric Sloane Museum in Kent, CT.

Questions? Contact Natalie Belanger, Public Programs Manager, at nbelanger@connecticutmuseum.org.

Tickets — advanced purchase is recommended, but not required!

$15 General Admission
$10 Members
Free for Connecticut Museum NARM members and above