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In Colonial America, signs were the primary way for shopkeepers and tradespeople to identify their businesses. Many people could not read, so pictures and symbols were important means of communication. This tradition of using signs and pictures to "advertise" has continued today.

Select three of the trades listed below. Research these trades using the links provided. Use the worksheet provided by your teacher to fill in the information required. Once you have completed the worksheet, create a sign representing one of the trades you researched. Your sign should tell your customers what your shop has to offer. It should be simple, but appealing, and easily remembered by your customers. And remember that it must be easy to read from a distance. Click here for some samples.

	Apothecary	Basketmaker	Blacksmith
	Brickmaker	Cabinetmaker	Carpenter
	Cooper	Founder	Gunsmith
	Miller	Milliner	Printer & Binder
	Saddler	Shoemaker	Silversmith
	Wheelwright	Wigmaker

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Use the links below to research the trades you have chosen:

Colonial Almanack: Trades (full descriptions)                    Summary of Trades