Pilgrims and Patriots | 1600 - 1783

The early 1600s brought thousands of European settlers to North America. As permanent colonies replaced many earlier outposts and temporary settlements, growing numbers of families crossed the Atlantic to build new lives. 
Image: A New Map of New England and New York, 1700, details here
Life in the Early Colonies
Children worked alongside adults and made toys and games from materials at hand. They may have been surprised to discover that Indigenous children enjoyed some remarkably similar pastimes. Music offered entertainment for adults and children alike.
Colonies Grow and Prosper
As the colonies grew, families with the means could purchase toys and games imported from Europe. By the early 18th century, toy shops and advertisements for toys began appearing in colonial towns and newspapers.
Revolution Changes Daily Life
From 1775 through 1783, war disrupted everyday life. Imported and manufactured goods became harder to obtain, while ingenuity and reuse became increasingly important. Families experienced military camp life, and soldiers and children alike fashioned useful objects and amusements from materials at hand.

If your store does not yet have an account with us, please send us this form with your resale information and we'll send you an access link.

 

 

 
Our HistoryLives products are offered wholesale for museum shops, historic sites, and living history stores. For educational programming, reenactment, and other non-resale purchases, visit our outlet store at Cowings Mill