Historic Shoemaking With Andrew Rowand

In this episode of PreserveCast, host Nick Redding welcomes back Andrew Rowand, curator and site administrator at the Eric Sloan Museum in Kent, Connecticut, who is also a skilled historic shoemaker. Rowand shares his journey into the craft, beginning with his upbringing in West Virginia and his early interest in historic tailoring and costuming. His path to shoemaking was forged through a decade-long apprenticeship with master shoemaker James 'Butch' Myers in Richmond, Virginia—a relationship rooted in the traditional mentorship model that remains central to the craft. Rowand specializes in recreating 17th- to late 19th-century leather shoes using historic techniques, materials, and tools, emphasizing authenticity in every detail from vegetable-tanned leathers to hand-stitched construction. He discusses the meticulous process of creating custom footwear, including the use of wooden lasts, the importance of accurate measurements, and the time-intensive nature of the work—15 to 20 hours per pair. Despite the high cost ($425+ for a basic pegged shoe) and long lead times (booked through November), demand remains strong from living history programs, institutions, and even modern tradespeople like timber framers seeking historically inspired footwear. Rowand also reveals a growing fascination with concealed shoes found in early American homes, which offer rare insights into everyday life. He remains committed to preserving the craft while cautiously exploring modern adaptations. The episode underscores the enduring relevance of traditional crafts in the 21st century, highlighting the deep dedication, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and cultural value embedded in historic shoemaking. Rowand’s work exemplifies how preservation isn’t just about museums and artifacts—it’s about living, breathing skills passed down through apprenticeships and hands-on practice. His story challenges the notion that such trades are obsolete, proving instead that they are in high demand, respected, and vital to authentic historical interpretation. The conversation also touches on the importance of sourcing period-accurate materials, the role of community in craft transmission, and the growing interest in bespoke, handmade goods as alternatives to mass-produced imports.