Working Woman's World

They called it “women’s work,” but there was nothing light about it. Join us in the Museum backyard on March 28 for an interactive look at the grueling and skilled vocations held by Irish immigrant women in the late 19th century. Forget the textbooks—this is a hands-on “Job Fair” where you’ll test your strength and skill against the standards of 1870.

Your shift begins with the Water Haul, where you’ll experience the “invisible” labor of the 19th century. Try your hand at carrying a full water bucket across the yard to see exactly how much effort went into a single basin of tea or a load of wash. If your interest lies in the high-stakes world of “pin money”—the delicate, skilled trade that kept many families afloat—visit our Lace Table. There, you’ll meet one of our dedicated Irish lace class students for a live shuttle tatting demonstration and a look at the precision required to earn a living by the needle.

But the workday doesn’t end there. We have a full circuit of labor stations waiting in the wings to test your coordination, speed, and spirit. From the fast-paced world of commerce to the physical demands of the household, we aren’t revealing every “employment opportunity” just yet—you’ll have to clock in to discover the full scope of the work that built the New World.

This event is designed for all ages! While our volunteers will be in modern dress to guide you, the tools and the history are strictly 19th-century. Come ready to get to work.