List of Blacksmithing Classes in Rhode Island

Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the Union, but it is home to dozens of historical blacksmithing shops and several great classes. 

Thanks to public and private preservation and restoration organizations in the state, residents and tourists are able to visit the many historical blacksmith shops in Rhode Island. 

As one of the earliest places of European settlement, Rhode Island has many blacksmith shops dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. These buildings and their history serve as inspiration for the many smiths living and working in Rhode Island today. 

Blacksmithing lessons take place in a variety of places in Rhode Island. From large educational centers to small museums, artisans across the small state are passing on the tradition of blacksmithing and keeping history alive. 

The following are the top places in Rhode Island to learn blacksmithing and related skills this year. 

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1) Iron Mountain Forge and Furniture 

• Type: Blacksmithing 
• Classes: small group, weekends, evenings, 21+
• Price: $80
• Website: http://ironmtnforge.com/sessions
• Telephone: (401) 648-7079
• Location: 122 Manton Ave. #105B Providence, RI 02909

Iron Mountain Forge and Furniture is run by Carley Ferrara and her team of talented metalsmiths. Ferrara has been in the business for over 20 years and specializes in ironwork and custom furniture for the home. 

While most of Ferrara’s time is spent creating one-of-a-kind pieces for clients, she also offers “Sip and Smash” blacksmithing sessions on weekends. 

These sessions teach the fundamentals of blacksmithing in a laid back setting. Participants create their own bottle openers in the 90 minute class and test out their creations on bottles of locally brewed beer. 

Because of the nature of “Sip and Smash” sessions, participants must be 21 years of age or older. This is a fun and casual way to learn blacksmithing and see if the craft is right for you. 

2) The Steel Yard

• Type: Blacksmithing
• Classes: small group, multiple week sessions, weekends, evenings 
• Price: $190-$450
• Website: https://www.thesteelyard.org/
• Telephone: (401) 273-7101
• Location: 27 Sims Ave. Providence, RI 02909

The Steel Yard was founded by Nick Bauta and Clay Rockefeller in 2001. It functions as a craft education and workforce training center. The building is a repurposed steel complex, making it the ideal location for learning blacksmithing and related skills. 

Classes at The Steel Yard are perfect for complete beginners. Blacksmithing students begin by crafting their very own hooks using the most basic skills. Once these techniques have been perfected, students move on to more advanced projects. 

This class organization allows students to see their progress and feel a sense of accomplishment as they build their skillset. 

Classes run for multiple weeks in the evenings, making them available to people with busy schedules. 

3) Hannaway Blacksmith Shop @ Great Road Heritage Campus 

• Type: Blacksmithing
• Classes: small group, demonstrations, weekends, mornings, afternoons, child friendly, 1-2 hours
• Price: $20-$80
• Website: https://greatroadheritagecampus.org/hannaway-blacksmith-shop
• Telephone: (401) 726-0597
• Location: 677 Great Rd. Lincoln, RI 02865

The Hannaway Blacksmith Shop at Great Road Heritage Campus is just one of several historical buildings located on Great Road in Lincoln, Rhode Island. The buildings sit on 85 acres and serve as a living history museum maintained by the Friends of Hearthside. Visitors can tour the Hearthside House mansion, Hannaway Blacksmith Shop, and other buildings.

The museum’s blacksmith shop was built in 1880 and is the site of demonstrations and classes. The first blacksmithing classes were offered at the museum in 2004 and they remain a popular attraction. 

Classes are appropriate for youth and adults. Students can expect to learn basic and historical blacksmithing techniques. Pricing is based on class length and age group. More information about upcoming class dates and pricing can be found at the link above. 

4) South County Museum 

• Type: Blacksmithing 
• Classes: small group, private, open forge, demonstrations, child friendly, 2 hours, weekends, weekdays
• Price: $150 (member discount is available)
• Website: https://www.southcountymuseum.org/experience
• Telephone: (401) 783-5400
• Location: 115 Strathmore St. Narragansett, RI 02882

South County Museum is a collection of historical buildings spread across 174 acres. The museum first opened in 1933 and has been sharing Rhode Island’s history with visitors ever since. 

Blacksmithing classes and demonstrations take place at the Museum’s blacksmithing shop. Resident blacksmith Joshua Kelly offers demonstrations during regular museum hours and classes at scheduled times. 

Youth and adults are welcome to participate in Kelly’s classes. Private beginner classes cover the basics of forging in about two hours. Participants can choose from weekday or weekend class times depending on their unique schedules. 

Kelly also offers open forge nights on the fourth Saturday of each month. This opportunity is available to those with prior experience. Note that a museum membership is required for open forge nights.