List of Blacksmithing Classes in Nebraska
The state of Nebraska is a Great Plains state in the larger Midwestern region. The state’s history and economy relate to blacksmithing and help promote the craft locally.
As part of the Great Plains, Nebraska’s early history is largely defined by Native American and pioneer activity.
As settlers moved across the American West, many settled in Nebraska and formed small communities. These early towns relied on a blacksmith for everyday essentials like farm tools.
Blacksmithing would continue to be a necessary occupation across Nebraska until the early 20th century. As large-scale manufacturing took over in the state, the village blacksmith largely ceased to exist.
Nebraska’s economy is built on agriculture and manufacturing. Since both of these sectors relate to blacksmithing and metalworking more generally, these crafts have experienced a revival.
Today, locals and visitors can participate in blacksmithing events, organizations, and classes across the state of Nebraska.
The following are some of the top blacksmithing opportunities waiting for you this year.
- Powerful Dual Burners: Equipped with two high-efficiency burners for rapid heating, providing...
- Durable Construction: Made from heavy-duty steel and insulated with fire-resistant materials...
- Large Forging Space: Spacious work area accommodates larger projects, allowing blacksmiths to work...
1) The Blacksmith Shop
- Type: Blacksmithing
- Classes: small group, 2 days, full day, weekdays, weekends
- Price: $300-$450
- Website: https://blacksmithomaha.wordpress.com/
- Telephone: (402) 680-9626
- Location: 2925 N. 84th St. Omaha, NE 68134
The Blacksmith Shop is owned and operated by Elmo Diaz. He offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced blacksmithing classes from his workshop in Omaha.
Diaz is dedicated to teaching blacksmithing to everyone. His 2 day beginner classes are perfect for those with no previous experience. Students learn about traditional tools and techniques and make their own simple projects.
By the end of the class, students will have the confidence and knowledge to begin forging on their own!
2) Stuhr Museum
- Type: Blacksmithing
- Classes: small group, 2 days, full day
- Price: $130
- Website: https://stuhrmuseum.org/
- Telephone: (308) 385-5316
- Location: 3133 W. Highway 34 Grand Island, NE 68801
Stuhr Museum is a living history educational center that preserves Great Plains history. The museum is made up of 107 buildings spread across 208 acres of prairie. The museum has close to 150,000 artifacts for visitors to discover.
The Stuhr Museum offers history and craft-related classes for youth and adults. Their blacksmithing class is extremely popular and is offered throughout the year.
Blacksmith Randy Dack teaches Stuhr Museum’s blacksmithing class. Topics are geared towards complete beginners, so if you are brand new to blacksmithing, this may be the option for you.
The class covers safety, tools, and basic techniques like hammer control and tempering. Students learn historical methods and the history of blacksmithing in Nebraska.
For more information on upcoming class times, contact Stuhr Museum directly.
3) Dwarf Mountain Knives
- Type: Blacksmithing, Knife Making
- Classes: small group
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://www.dwarfmountainknives.com/
- Telephone: N/A
- Location: 2925 N. 84th St. Omaha, NE 68134
Dwarf Mountain Knives is owned and operated by John Thompson. He has been crafting handmade swords, daggers, knives, and axes since 1996.
Thompson and his wife represent Dwarf Mountain Knives at events across the state of Nebraska. You can find them at renaissance festivals, art fairs, and other fun events.
If you are interested in learning bladesmithing with John Thompson, you can contact him about upcoming classes. He teaches at The Blacksmith Shop location listed above.
4) Prairie Blacksmiths Association
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, hammer-ins, demonstrations, open forge
- Price: $25 annual membership
- Website: https://www.pbsmiths.com/
- Telephone: N/A
- Location: Multiple locations across Nebraska
Prairie Blacksmiths Association is a non profit organization dedicated to teaching, preserving, and promoting blacksmithing and bladesmithing in the state of Nebraska.
The organization is an Artist Blacksmith’s Association of North America (ABANA) affiliate. As an affiliate of this larger group, Prairie Blacksmiths Association provides its members opportunities for learning and community that are not otherwise available.
Memberships include monthly hammer-ins, demonstrations, and open forge nights. For only $25 per year, members can participate in these and other events.
If you live in Nebraska and want to connect with other blacksmiths in the state and the Plains region, consider becoming a member of the Prairie Blacksmiths Association.