Hereditary Societies in Connecticut

Guild of Colonial Artisans and Tradesmen 1607 - 1783

Founded 06 May 2004
Mrs. H. Clay (Karen Avery) Miller, Founder

Purpose and Objectives:

To recognize and honor our Colonial Ancestors who, through their efforts as skilled craftsmen, tradesmen, and talented artisans,
were involved in the formation of the American Colonies from the founding of Jamestowne, 13 May 1607, to the dTreaty of Paris,
03 September 1783.d

To acknowledge the importance of the various Royal Guilds as well as the respect afforded them as they were established in our
ancestors' homelands, where the knowledge and skill of a given trade was perfected, fostered, and carried to the New World.

To inform and educate the public and awaken in the descendants of Guild ancestors the historical facts and proper definitions of
a given ancestral art or skill.

To recognize and support programs and traditions that focus on the education and/or revitalization of historical skills, crafts, and
artistic efforts.

To be involved with other lineage societies or related organizations in the promotion of patriotic, educational, genealogical, literary,
historical, and social activities across our Nation.

Eligibility:

Membership is extended to men and women 18 years of age or older who are of good moral character and who are lineally
descended from an artisan or tradesman who lived in the American Colonies from the founding of Jamestowne, 13 May 1607, to
the Treaty of Paris, 03 September 1783. Artisans and tradesmen are defined as those who were accomplished in the field of art and
those who crafted or traded items or part of select Royal Guilds previously established in the old world which continued practices
in the American Colonies. Farmers or those dealing in the raising or selling of livestock or poultry are not included.

Membership:

Membership in the Guild is that of Life Membership only. A one time fee of $250.00 per applicant is submitted with the lineage
application papers. The Guild allows applicants to submit a verified record copy of another hereditary society paper on the ancestor
being honored in lieu of documentation on common generations. Membership is by invitation only but inquires are welcome.

"WHY" THERE IS A NATIONAL HEREDITARY SOCIETY CALLED THE GUILD:

The Guild honors those men and women who practiced a trade such as blacksmiths, tanners, coopers, tailors, millers, poets
and bakers, etc. The Society has identified over 250 Colonial trades and has published the terms and definitions in the Guild's
Dictionary of Arts and Trades. We also honor ancestors who may have been apprenticed or practiced a trade in the old country
before emigrating to the American Colonies. Trade Guilds are known to exist as early as the 14th Century in Medieval Europe. These
organization  were fraternal and political in nature and were very prominent. They held so much power in the community that they
were granted Royal Charters from the ruling Kings, hence the term "Royal Guilds" Often referred to as Livery Companies, there
were over 100 in London alone and a great many still exist today.

Many lineage societies exist to honor ancestors for military, political, religious and geographical participation/settlement
but the Guild honors the very men and women who also served or lived in those locations but who also were skilled in the arts
the very thing that helped to build the infrastructure of this new country. Without the carpenter and housewrights to build dwellings;
tailors, weavers and shoemakers for clothing and shoes; shipwright, wagonmakers and others who devised convenient means of
travel; painters, musicians, authors and playwrights to entertain and enlighten ---- without  these and more, Colonist would not have
survived and prospered.

Contacts:

Web Site:
http://www.guildcolonialartsandtrades.org