Nantucket Basket Workshop

Wed, Fri, & Sat, May 9^th, 11^th, and 12^th
9:30 am -3:30 pm

at the Atwood House Museum

This workshop gives beginners the opportunity to make their own classic 6-inch round basket from scratch. Held over three days, the course will start with tapering and placing the staves to the baskets, continue on with weaving, and finally end with rimming and lashing for a finished look. Each student will leave with a completed basket (one with a handle attached). Instructor Kyle James utilizes the finest supplies for the baskets including cherry wood for the base and handles and ivory washers.

Cost: $365 (includes cost of materials)
Chatham Historical Society members only.

Due to the anticipated popularity of this course, space is limited and available to members only. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Chatham Historical Society, please click here. To reserve your space for the Nantucket Basket workshop please email info@chathamhistorical.org or call 508-945-2493.

History

The first Nantucket Baskets were produced in 1856 by the crew of the Nantucket Lightship for the practical purposes of making handy storage vessels to use in everyday life as well as to fill their time aboard ship. They soon began to sell their handiwork and when new ships replaced the Nantucket Lightship, the practice of basket weaving moved to the islanders. Since then, the Nantucket Basket as a decorative item and art form has gained much popularity.