Learn about the origins of printmaking and the role printing played during the Revolutionary War, from Printmaker and Living History Presenter, Andy Volpe. Witness a demonstration on a replica printing press and step back in time to learn how revolutionary ideas spread through the colonies.

It's not just what was printed that was "revolutionary", but how it was printed. The role and impact of the Printing Press in the American Revolution can never be understated. There is a reason why Freedom of the Press is the First Amendment, and the supporter of all the other Amendments. Andy Volpe will talk about not just the “revolution” of the press itself going back to Gutenberg, but in the “revolution” of printing technology & techniques that developed, the “revolution” of what was printed and of “revolution”, rebellion and radical ideas that were started by the printers themselves.

About the presenter: Andy Volpe is an artist, printer, and living historian in the Worcester MA area. He has been involved with the Museum of Printing in Haverhill since 2009 where he gives presentations & tours, curator of the Klein collection, and focuses on printing history in the Renaissance and Early Modern Period. Since 2010 he has worked with Gary Gregory, founder of the Printing Office of Edes & Gill, which replicates printing leading to and during the American Revolution, where Volpe works in Copperplate Engraving, replicating the work of Paul Revere Jr.

When he’s not printing as Rembrandt or Revere, he presents on arms, armor and archaeology with the Higgins Armory Collection at Worcester Art Museum, ranging from the Roman Legions, 1470s, and 1630s. He also visits schools, colleges, and libraries as an independent living history presenter.

Event Location: Thacher Hall (Lower Level), 266 Route 6A, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675

​Fee: $10 HSOY Member Adults; $15 Non-Member Adults. Free for youth ages 10-17. Suitable for ages 10 and up. Limited to 45 people. Advanced reservations required.

Fee Note: Mass EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare card holders are eligible for 50% off program tickets through the Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program. Please email info@hsoy.org for more information and to reserve your Card to Culture program tickets.

PLEASE NOTE:

Parking Note: There is no parking at Thacher Hall. Parking is available just across Route 6A from Thacher Hall around the Common green, as well as at the Post Office, and Chapter House Inn. A crossing attendant will be available to assist with crossing Route 6A at the designated crosswalk in front of Thacher Hall. If you need accessible entry and parking information, please email info@hsoy.org.

Event details: The program starts with a talk on the history of printing and the role it played in Colonial America leading to the revolution, and is followed by a demonstration on a replica colonial print press. Prints will be for sale (cash, check or credit card). Refreshments to follow the demonstration.

Other info: This event is rain or shine. Event maximum is 45 people. Online reservations close when the tour sells out and no later than 24 hours in advance of the tour. If needed, a waitlist will be created. This event is suitable for ages 10 and up.