Historical Craft Circles
Historical craft circles are in Historic Edwards Place, exploring one of many craft options popular during the 19th century. These are geared to a wide range of skill levels, beginner and beyond, and will provide all materials needed.
Most classes take place in the 2nd floor classroom of Edwards Place. There is no elevator to the 2nd floor. Classes that will take place elsewhere will have that noted in the class description.
We are looking for instructors!
Do you have experience with a historical craft and would like to share your knowledge in a classroom atmosphere? We are looking for instructors with experience in various crafts - particularly weaving, sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, quilling, and other crafts that were popular in the 19th century.
We host classes that are anywhere from a 3-hour workshop, to a 4-week class, to an 8-week class. Instructors are compensated at $18-20/hr, based on education and qualifications. These are contract positions and are scheduled on a quarterly calendar.
If you are interested in becoming an instructor, please contact our curator Sarah at 217-523-2631 or collections@springfieldart.org.
Mosaic Crochet
October 13, 5:30-8:30 PM
Mosaic crochet is a fun way to make beautiful patterns with a few easy stitches (SC and DC). In this SAAmpler class, students will learn how to read a mosaic grid pattern and make a mug rug. Knowledge of crochet is needed. Please bring your size G and H crochet hooks and a pair of scissors.
SUPPLIES: Each student should bring their own crochet hooks (sizes G and H) as well as a pair of scissors.
Ages 16+
"Commander in Chef" Breakfast for Dinner
Friday, October 23, 2026, 6 PM
$40/$30 for SAA Members
This cooking SAAmpler takes recipes from our popular Commander in Chef cooking camp to our adult students! In Breakfast for Dinner, try out "fat rascals," a favorite of Teddy Roosevelt and calas tous chauds, a rice donut enjoyed by Zachary Taylor. This SAAmpler includes coffee (Teddy's favorite), milk (Taylor's choice), and water.
These are hands-on cooking workshops taught by our Curator (who is not a professional chef, but loves being in the kitchen) and include historical lessons about the foods in the SAAmpler, along with time to enjoy the food and company with other classmates.
This is an adult cooking class only. Must be 18+.
"Commander in Chef" Cozy Cooking
Thursday, November 19, 2026, 6 PM
$45/$35 for SAA Members
This cooking SAAmpler takes recipes from our popular Commander in Chef cooking camp to our adult students! In Cozy Cooking, try out Chicago-style chili and Yuengling (Obama's choice), along with comfort food grilled cheese and ...martinis... (FDR's choice).
These are hands-on cooking workshops taught by our Curator (who is not a professional chef, but loves being in the kitchen) and include historical lessons about the foods in the SAAmpler, along with time to enjoy the food and company with other classmates.
This is an adult cooking class only. Must be 21+ because of the presence of alcoholic drinks.
Cross-Stitch for Beginners
Mondays, November 23 & 30, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM
$55/$45 for SAA Members
In this historical SAAmpler, we will learn beginner cross stitching skills such as starting and finishing, how to read a pattern, and other problem solving techniques for this craft. We will be creating a small decorative piece, a quilt block, that can be displayed throughout the home!