Dave Hughes is one of the most skilled silversmiths and early American craftsmen in the state of Pennsylvania. He has been making 18^th century trade silver and flintlock rifles for over 30 years and has an impeccable reputation for both quality and authenticity.  He is also an expert in 18^th century writing styles. In addition to reproducing old documents (e.g. passports, traders’ licenses, bartering agreements, and letters from the frontier), Dave also offers an interesting hands-on classroom presentation in which students are transported back in time through exploring the art of 18^th century writing…examining 18^th century scripts and documents, seeing how early ink and writing instruments were made, learning how to fold and seal a personal letter…and discovering, in the process, how important the art of letter writing was in the days before cell phones and e-mails.

Dave has a very solid background in teaching.  Graduating from California State College in 1968 with a degree in industrial arts, he taught shop-related courses in Hampton Township, Pennsylvania, until his recent retirement.  Since he retired, he spends most of his time researching and reproducing authentic trade silver pieces, making 18^th century firearms, and sharing his knowledge and skills at re-enactments, festivals, and period shows throughout Western Pennsylvania.  Dave also teaches an adult education class on how to make flintlocks.  With his many years of classroom experience coupled with over 12 years experience in living history presentations, Dave is comfortable speaking to either children or adults.  He usually focuses on one of the following topics, but can also combine any of these topics, depending on the needs of his audience:

Contact Information

Phone: 724-443-8273

E-Mail: dhughes@stargate.net