Hands-on History
Papermaking and Letterpress Printing
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Hands-on History is a series of free workshops for high school students. Meet professionals, gain experience in STEAM-focused workshops, and engage with resources at the Penn Museum. Lunch is provided, and two-way SEPTA ride cards available for transportation.
Before the Industrial Revolution, paper was meticulously crafted by hand from materials like rags, wood pulp, or other fibers. Once prepared, it was printed on using manually operated presses using movable type, a labor-intensive process that revolutionized communication and knowledge-sharing in its time.
In this workshop, we will explore and practice the crafts of papermaking and letterpress printing. Students will make sheets of cotton paper and then visit Common Press to set movable type and print words and phrases of their choice on handmade cotton paper.
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