List of Blacksmithing Classes in Vermont
As a state in New England, Vermont has a long and interesting history of traditional craftsmanship.
The earliest settlers in Vermont were self-sufficient farmers and craftspeople who were skilled with metal, wood, fiber, glass, and other materials.
The legacy of folk art and traditional crafts continues in Vermont. Many of the state’s residents are passionate about learning and sharing traditional crafts.
Blacksmithing is a popular hobby and creative career in the state of Vermont. Private workshops, public museums, and craft-specific organizations are dedicated to teaching others blacksmithing and bladesmithing.
The following are some of the best places to learn blacksmithing in Vermont this year. With their special emphasis on historic methods, these classes are perfect for residents and visitors interested in the history of blacksmithing in New England.
- 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) Blackthorne Forge
- Type: Blacksmithing
- Classes: small group, 3 hour sessions
- Price: $120
- Website: https://blackthorneforge.com/pages/classes
- Telephone: (802) 426-3369
- Location: 3821 US Route 2 Marshfield, VT 05658
Blackthorne Forge is owned and operated by artist blacksmith Steven Bronstein. He has over 40 years of experience working with metal and uses traditional methods to craft items with a modern twist.
While Bronstein can make anything, he specializes in metal clocks, candle holders, figurines, and other items for the home.
Beginner blacksmithing classes at Blackthorne Forge are perfect for brand new smiths and those who have done a little forging previously. Classes run for three hours and are completely hands on. Every student can expect to take home their very own forged item at the end of the class.
2) HotAnvil Forge
- Type: Blacksmithing, Knife Making
- Classes: small group, private, weekends
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://www.hotanvilforge.com/
- Telephone: (802) 318-2706
- Location: 6162 Route 17 Buel Gore, VT 05446
HotAnvil Forge is a private workshop run by Robert Bordeaux. He has over 20 years of blacksmithing experience and enjoys sharing his knowledge and passion for metalworking with students.
Classes at HotAnvil Forge focus on knife making techniques. Bordeaux customizes classes to fit a student’s particular skill level. Most classes are done in a single day on the weekends.
For more information about class pricing and scheduling, give Bordeaux a call at the number listed above.
3) Old Stone House Museum & Historic Village
- Type: Blacksmithing,
- Classes: small group, 3 hour sessions, half day, open forge
- Price: $20-$60 (member discounts are available)
- Website: https://www.oldstonehousemuseum.org/adult-enrichment-classes/
- Telephone: (802) 754-2022
- Location: 109 Old Stone House Rd. Brownington, VT 05890
The Old Stone House Museum & Historic Village has been preserving the history of northern Vermont since 1925. The museum includes 30 rooms filled with over 75,000 artifacts that tell the story of early Vermont history.
Besides historic buildings, artifacts, and exhibits, the Old Stone House also offers adult enrichment classes that teach traditional crafts and skills.
Blacksmithing opportunities include a Taste of Blacksmithing class and Open Forge. Taste of Blacksmithing is a half day class that teaches new smiths coal forge operation, heating, and hammer control. Participants create their own hooks and nails.
Open Forge lasts for three hours and is a great time to practice your blacksmithing skills if you have prior experience. Blacksmiths will be on site during Open Forge time to assist with projects as needed.
4) Lake Champlain Maritime Museum
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group
- Price: Contact for pricing information
- Website: https://www.lcmm.org/learn/metalarts/
- Telephone: (802) 475-2022
- Location: 4472 Basin Harbor Rd. Vergennes, VT 05491
Lake Champlain Maritime Museum opened in 1985 with the mission to educate the public about Vermont’s rich maritime history. The museum includes exhibits, historical boats, research, and educational programming.
Blacksmithing and bladesmithing classes are offered by the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and focus on these crafts in relation to maritime history.
Classes take place at the Museum’s Rhinehart Blacksmithing Center and at the Metal Foundry. For more information about upcoming class dates, times, and pricing, contact the museum directly.
5) New England Blacksmiths
- Type: Blacksmithing, Bladesmithing
- Classes: small group, meetings, demonstrations
- Price: ~$30 annual membership
- Website: https://www.newenglandblacksmiths.com/
- Telephone: N/A
- Location: Brentwood, NH & other locations
New England Blacksmiths is a blacksmithing organization made up of craftspeople from across the New England region. The organization offers affordable annual membership pricing and exclusive events.
Members of New England Blacksmiths get access to the organization’s newsletter, networking opportunities, and bi-annual meetings. These meetings take place in the spring and fall in locations across New England.
The meetings last for three days and include demonstrations and tailgating. More information about joining New England Blacksmiths can be found on their website.