CW Plans Reconstruction of Tin Shop; Mars' Philanthropy Continues

By Sam Thrift Tuesday, December 06, 2011

A recent archaeological discovery at the James Anderson Armoury project has confirmed the location of Anderson’s tinsmithing operation adjacent to the Armoury, setting a plan into motion to reconstruct the Revolutionary War-era tinsmith shop in the Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area.

Extensive archaeology around the current reconstructed outbuilding behind the Mary Stith House has conclusively identified the site as the location of the tinsmith shop. The discovery led Forrest Mars Jr., director emeritus of Mars, Inc., to provide an additional $500,000 for reconstruction and endowment of the shop, according to a press release. A gift of $4.5 million from Forrest and Deborah Mars, supporters of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for more than 25 years, made the Armoury project possible.

“Forrest Mars’ philanthropy continues to enhance the historical accuracy of the site and will provide our guests with a richer experience of the lives of skilled working men who helped win the war and secure the republic,” said Colin G. Campbell, president and CEO of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in the press release.

When complete, the Tin Shop will be the only working 18th-century tin shop in the United States. Historic trades artisans will demonstrate tinsmithing as practiced during the American Revolution.

“Adding the Tin Shop as a key focus of the Armoury project will result in one of our most comprehensive approaches to a pivotal Historic Area site,” said James Horn, vice president of research and historical interpretation. “The work will complete the most important Revolutionary-era military site in Williamsburg, offering guests an entirely different perspective on the role of the capital during a critical moment in the history of the Commonwealth and the nation.”

The Mars family also funded the $5 million reconstruction of R. Charlton’s Coffeehouse, which was completed in 2009. The coffeehouse was the first major reconstruction on the Historic Area's main street in 50 years.

Reconstruction of the Tin Shop will follow completion of two other key buildings in the industrial complex, the Armoury and the Kitchen, which will open to the public in the spring of 2012. According to the press release, the permitting process for the Tin Shop began this week with application to the city's Architectural Review Board.