Michael Tennyson
FRIDAYS
9 - 4 pm
For Beginners
*Advanced Blacksmithing courses by Appointment and special request
Course Fee: $65
Materials provided
About the Instructor
Michael Tennyson the Age of Sail’s on-site blacksmith apprenticed from the age of 5 with Blacksmith William Senseney Master Blacksmith, founder of New England Blacksmith Organization and Berkshire Blacksmiths, in Massachusetts and continued learning his craft for almost 2 decades. Now residing in Fox River he is the on-site Blacksmith at the Age of Sail Museum and an expert at his craft.
Course Description
Blacksmithing began millennia ago, when the Hittites began to forge and temper iron around 1500 B.C. It was crude, as all they had were basic tools and fire, but it sufficed for creating weapons such as spearheads and arrows. Charcoal use was one of the greatest advances in blacksmithing in ancient times. It burned hot and for long periods of time, allowing smiths to control the process more accurately and create more complex items.
Blacksmiths were central to medieval times, often setting up shop in a place of importance in the center of the village. They would make not just weapons but nails, furniture, locks, horseshoes, and armor. The blacksmith became essential to any town. With industrialization blacksmithing became less prominent as machines could produce the same things for much less. Farrier work (horse shoes) were the only thing not taken over by machine and blacksmithing changed to wrought iron creations and very much a specialty.
Although occasionally a resurgent for the work of blacksmiths comes about, it is now a rare and specialized job. Now you can learn the basics of this forgotten art.
Workshop Details
Learn the basics on using a coal fired forge and blacksmithing, and create a beginners project. Project output may vary but typical is a fire poker, hooks or tool making.
This workshop runs WEEKLY on Fridays (not July 8 or 15). Please call ahead to register. 10am-4pm with one hour lunch break (Meal not included) Lunch can be purchased at the café or bring your own.
Supplies
Materials will be provided.
Participants are responsible for wearing proper gloves (leather) and steel-toed footwear, long sleeves and pants recommended. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
HOW TO REGISTER WITH AGE OF SAIL
Contact Age of Sail to ensure there is still room in the workshop.
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Cancellation Policy