A Day in the Life of a Colonial Sailmaker

Students follow a day in the life of James Forten, the son of a free black family living in colonial Philadelphia. Forten became one of the leading sailmakers of his time. Students will learn how sails were made and from what materials, as well as what life was like for a free black businessman in a time when slavery was still accepted. As one of the richest businessmen in Philadelphia, he spent much of his wealth working to improve the lives of black Americans.