Drinking History: Renascent Bookbindery

  • April 29 - May 6, 2025
  • Renascent Bookbindery

    1277 5th Avenue
    Troy, New York 12180
This event is now over
Description

Sold out!

Contact Anna Doren to be added to the waitlist at adoren@hartcluett.org or call 518-272-7232 x111

 

Located in a historic fire department building, the bindery is one of Troy’s hidden gems. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to print on an iron hand press, trim the edge of a book on a 14th-century-style cutting machine, witness printer’s type being made by hand, and learn about the creation of books in both industrial and preindustrial styles.

 

Tuesday, April 29th, 7-9pm at Renascent Bookbindery: 1277 5th Ave Troy, NY 12180

 

Enjoy a private tour with Tim James, bookbinder and founder of Renascent Bookbindery, and a glass of wine!

  

The Hart Cluett Museum Drinking History series brings people together to explore the history of Rensselaer County, outside of the museum. Deep dives, hot takes, and drinks for all!

 

  • Ticket purchase is required beforehand, limited tickets are available
  • Meet for this program at the Renascent Bookbindery (1277 Fifth Ave Troy, NY 12180 in South Troy, 2 ½ blocks south of Ferry Street, 2 blocks from the Gasholder Building
  • Parking is available in the building’s lot or on the street.
  • CHILDREN & SAFETY:  This is an industrial facility and our equipment has no modern safety mechanisms, there are no barriers between visitors and equipment. When giving a tour we must concentrate on safely operating our antique equipment. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to supervise and maintain the safety of our young visitors at all times.

 

About Renascent Bookbindery

 

Renascent Bookbindery was founded by Tim James as a place where visitors can learn about the history of bookbinding and printing by interacting with the tools, and seeing the craft at work . 

 

After a 30 year career as a bookbinder in San Francisco’s Mission District, Tim James traveled the east coast looking for a city with a lively downtown, and an appreciation of its industrial heritage. He settled in Troy, NY, whose 19th century brick buildings, and robust history of industry and bookbinding suited the vision perfectly. He began shipping in his vast collection of machines, equipment, artwork, and historical artifacts, setting up a fully operational 19th century bookbindery.  

 

Read Paul Grondahl’s article about the tour in the Albany Times Union: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/tim-james-quest-bring-19th-century-bookbinding-18160585.php

 

Date & Time

Apr 29 - May 6, 2025

Venue Details

Renascent Bookbindery

1277 5th Avenue
Troy, New York 12180 Renascent Bookbindery
Hart Cluett Museum

The Hart Cluett Museum is operated by Historic Rensselaer County (Rensselaer County Historical Society), a dynamic not-for-profit educational organization established in 1927 to connect local history and heritage with contemporary life. We enrich the present and advocate for the future by bringing the region's past to life, recognizing every face and every story. In pursuit of this mission, we collect, preserve, study, interpret, and make accessible a broad variety of objects and documents. We also conduct educational programs that inspire public enthusiasm for our roots and bolster the entrepreneurial appetites of our community.


 


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