Brian Newton is one of a small number of artisans keeping alive the historic art of making brooms by hand. The owner of Broomcorn Johnny’s researches the history of brooms, which date back thousands of years, and uses tools from the late 19th and early 20th Centuries to revive obscure historical broom designs. His work can be found on television programs, in motion pictures, and in living history environments.
Brian is driven by the past, crediting history with igniting his romantic imagination, while the techniques of the broom-making process challenge his mechanical mind. He loves to explore colors, textures, and finishes. Despite his many years of working in the craft, he still finds it exciting to make new discoveries.
Artisans wishing to participate in the 2021 Directory of Traditional American Crafts™ may download applications by clicking here. Because of the uncertainty of mail delivery caused by the Pandemic, we have extended the deadline for entries. We will accept entries postmarked by February 15, 2021. Those selected will be notified after judging in April, 2021. The 2021 Directory of Traditional American Crafts™ will appear in the August 2021 issue of Early American Life.
1,991 days until America's Sestercentennial
Coming Up This Weekend
Many events listed on our calendar have been postponed or cancelled as a precaution to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, now a pandemic. If you must (or choose) to attend an event, we suggest you call and verify that it will be taking place as planned.
Subscribers' Notes
Our December 2020 edition has been printed on schedule and is on its way to all of our subscribers. Because of the Covid-19 situation, postal delivery sometimes is taking longer than usual, so please be patient. Subscribers should get their magazines before Decembesr begins. Email us at subscribe@firelandsmedia.com if you suspect you have had a delivery problem—because our offices remained closed for the protection of our staff, we cannot answer telephone queries at this time.
All new web subscriptions will start with the February 2021 issue. Please email us at subscribe@firelandsmedia.com if you have other subscription requirements.
BACKGROUND
Our December 2020 edition has been printed on schedule and is on its way to all of our subscribers. Because of the Covid-19 situation, postal delivery sometimes is taking longer than usual, so please be patient. Subscribers should get their magazines before Decembesr begins. Email us at