Introduction to Printing

Come dressed for a mess and be ready to roll up those sleeves. This class is an active, up-close, hands-on, make-and-take exploration of Letterpress Printing. Do you have what it takes to be an apprentice in a 19th century print shop? You had better mind your p’s and q’s!

Participants will:

• Learn the history of letterpress printing with a focus on 1800’s.
• Operate three different 19th century presses.
• Make and take prints of Harmonist documents on an 1833 iron press.
• Learn to set moveable type by hand as it was done in the 1800’s.
• Print copies of their hand-set type on an 1893 iron hand press.

Tip: Bring along a short quote, lyric, or poem you would like to print. Brevity is your buddy as every letter must be set by hand.

Printing Class Pricing:

• $65 for non-members
• $50 for members

Pre-registration is required. Must be 16 years or older. To register for the class, please contact David Miller at (724) 266-4500 x110 or at davmiller@pa.gov.

Make checks payable to Old Economy Village and mail them to 270 16th Street, Ambridge, PA, 15003