Historic Skills Classes

Want to know more about something you saw at Living History Farms, interested in learning a new skill, or just want to have fun with friends and family? Sign up for one of our Historic Skills Classes!

You will work in small groups to learn a specific skill or trade that was common in the 19th century, from baking to blacksmithing. With a small class size, you are guaranteed individualized instruction and plenty of opportunity to participate.

Need to Know

• Masks are strongly urged for class participants.
• Registration closes at noon one week before the class date. Programs require a minimum number of participants to run.
• Members receive early registration and a discount on class fees. Purchase or renew your membership now!
• Please read program policies before registering for a class. Read the policies here.

Fall 2021 Blacksmithing Classes

Ticket go on sale August 23 for members, August 30 for non-members.

Schedule

Class Descriptions

Blacksmithing Basics

This hands-on class will give someone with little or no metalworking skills a fun “be a blacksmith for a day” experience. Explore the basics of forge work in a blacksmith shop while making a decorative iron project to take home. Topics include safety, tools and equipment, and beginning techniques for shaping metal. Small class size guarantees lots of one-on-one instruction and lots of time at the forge! Dress for working in a shop with a dirt floor, and for the weather—shop is heated by a wood-burning stove.

• Dates: Sunday, September 19, 2021; Sunday, October 17, 2021; Sunday, October 31, 2021; 1–4 p.m. (register for one section)
• Location: Blacksmith Shop (check in at Visitor Center)
• Number of participants: Minimum 3, maximum 4
• Fee: $70 per person (members receive 15% discount)
• Restrictions: Ages 18 and up
• Please bring: Heavy work gloves, eye protection, and a water bottle
• SOLD OUT

Learn Together: Basic Blacksmithing with Teens

This hands-on class will allow a parent/grandparent to work with a teen as they learn blacksmithing techniques in a historic setting. Everyone will make several small projects, such as dinner triangles and hooks. Begin by learning about proper safety in a workshop environment. Dress for working in a shop with a dirt floor, and for the weather—shop is heated by a wood-burning stove.

• Date: Sunday, September 26, 2021, 1–4 p.m.
• Location: Blacksmith Shop (check in at Visitor Center)
• Number of participants: Minimum 4 people/2 pairs, maximum 6 people/3 pairs
• Fee: $70 per person (members receive 15% discount). Registration is per person, but a teen must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• Restrictions: Teens must be 14 or older.
• Please bring: Work gloves, eye protection and a water bottle for each person
• SOLD OUT

Blacksmithing: Make a Camp Tripod

Students will get a good workout as they learn historic blacksmithing techniques. Participants will forge a large camp tripod that doubles as a rotisserie or decorative outdoor plant hanger. (Retail value over $65!) The finished project will stand between 5 and 6 feet tall and is based on a Civil War-era design, great camping or re-enacting. Students will learn these skills: drawing out metal, making eye bolts, and advanced forging. Small class size guarantees lots of one-on-one instruction and lots of time at the forge! Dress for working in a shop with a dirt floor, and for the weather—shop is heated by a wood-burning stove.

• Date: Sunday, October 24, 2021
• Location: Blacksmith Shop (check in at Visitor Center)
• Time: Noon–4 p.m.
• Fee: $90 per person (members receive 15% discount)
• Number of participants: Minimum 2, maximum 3
• Restrictions: Ages 18 and up
• Please bring: Heavy work gloves, eye protection and a water bottle
• Suggested but not required: Helpful if you have taken the Blacksmithing Basics class
• SOLD OUT

Blacksmithing: Items for the Home

Just in time for the holidays—making items that you can give as gifts! You will make at least two of the following decorative projects for the home: candleholders, napkin rings, hooks, paper towel holder, or letter opener, or suggest a project when you register. Helpful if you have taken a blacksmithing basics course. Small class size guarantees lots of one-on-one instruction and lots of time at the forge! Dress for working in a shop with a dirt floor, and for the weather—shop is heated by a wood-burning stove.

• Date: Sunday, November 7, 2021, 1–4 p.m.
• Location: Blacksmith Shop (check in at Visitor Center)
• Fee per person: $70 (members receive 15% discount)
• Number of participants: Minimum 3, maximum 4
• Restrictions: Ages 18 and up
• Please bring: Heavy work gloves, eye protection and a water bottle
• Suggested but not required: Helpful if you have taken the Blacksmithing Basics class
• SOLD OUT

Blacksmithing: Make a Boot Scraper

Just in time for winter! Every 19th-century farmhouse had a boot scraper next to the porch to remove mud or snow. Even if you don’t have a farm, a boot scraper is a handy item by the door. You will forge a useful boot scraper while learning metalworking skills in our 1870s blacksmith shop. Helpful if you have taken a blacksmithing basics course. Small class size guarantees lots of one-on-one instruction and lots of time at the forge! Dress for working in a shop with a dirt floor, and for the weather—shop is heated by a wood-burning stove.

• Date: Sunday, November 14, 2021, 1–4 p.m.
• Location: Blacksmith Shop (check in at Visitor Center)
• Fee per person: $70 (members receive 15% discount)
• Number of participants: Minimum 3, maximum 4
• Restrictions: Ages 18 and up
• Please bring: Heavy work gloves, eye protection and a water bottle
• Suggested but not required: Helpful if you have taken the Blacksmithing Basics class
• SOLD OUT