Good! The carpenter places a shingle on the roof, then drills a hole with a brace and bit (though it takes more effort than a power drill). Then they hammer a nail in to hold the shingle in place.

You did it! You've mastered the construction of a building and done it the eighteenth-century way. Good work!

At Colonial Williamsburg, tradesmen and women are still learning the trades of the eighteenth century. They recreate the skills of the past by studying examples of eighteenth century work and by using eighteenth century tools. Here are other examples of hand tools and the way that they are used. If you get the chance to come to Colonial Williamsburg, be sure to visit the tradesmen and women here who keep the past alive.

Now you can:

• Watch the Randolph-Payton Kitchen be rebuilt before your eyes
• Explore the interior of the kitchen
• Tour the kitchen cellar

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