HISTORY

Elder Craftsmen was founded in 1955 as the Elder Craftsmen Shop to provide a retail outlet for older adults to sell their handmade fine craft items. In addition, the founders wanted to show the public that when people reach the age of 60, they continue to use their creativity to produce new and unique items, and function as vital, active contributors to their community.

From 1955 to June 1994, hundreds of consignors enjoyed the benefits of the shop, as an outlet to sell their crafts and as a source of enhanced self-esteem. The shop was a very visible show place for consignors’ creations. Shop patrons included the famous as well as the less well known.

  Oscar Hammerstein ordered a pair of knitted socks

  Gloria Vanderbilt bought an owl to aid her little boy falling to sleep

  Jessica Tandy needed 7 pairs of drapes

  Cartier wanted 3,000 red flannel jewel bags

Since June 1994, when the shop closed, Elder Craftsmen has focused on its training programs (which began in 1972), its community service programs (which began in 1991) and its Artist in Residence Projects (which began in 1996).

OUR PRESENT

TODAY’S GROWING SERVICE TO SENIORS

In its sixth decade, Elder Craftsmen is a vibrant and dynamic organization:

  Enhancing the lives of seniors

  Serving the less advantaged

  Building community through group craft activities

  Providing opportunities for mutual reciprocity through civic engagement

We ask you to sustain this vital organization by giving your financial support to Elder Craftsmen today so that our future can be even than our past.