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Welcome to the Rinehart Blacksmith Arts Center

Rinehart Blacksmith Arts Center


Warren and Victoria Rinehart
Warren and Victoria Rinehart

The 1,800-square-foot Rinehart Blacksmith Arts Center is a state-of-the-art facility for blacksmith instruction. Four fully equipped work stations are available for student use, and LCMM offers courses & workshops for nearly every level of blacksmith instruction, from teens to expert.

This facility was made possible in large part by Warren Rinehart, whose inspiriation and generosity founded this center. He continues to inspire us with his work - stop by and see what he's working on now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blacksmith Dale Henry demonstrates in the 18th century forge
LCMM's first forge was modeled after an eighteenth
century style to support construction of the replica
1776 gunboat Philadelphia II. Here students participate in a
field trip 1776: Revolutionary War in the Champlain Valley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013 Blacksmithing Courses & Workshops

Teen Basic Blacksmithing Robert Wetzel
Teens ages 14-17 will learn management of a traditional blacksmiths forge and the techniques of shaping hot iron into useful or decorative items. No previous experience required.
Dates: July 20-21; Cost: $165.00

Teen Advanced Blacksmithing Projects Robert Wetzel
This is an advanced projects workshop for teenage students with previous blacksmithing experience. Enhance your design and forgery skills.
Dates: August 10-11; Cost: $165.00

Basic Blacksmithing Peter Wells Open to students with no previous metalworking experience, these workshops cover basic iron working skills including coal forge management, tools and materials of the trade and basic forging techniques. 2 or 3 day classes.
2 Day July 13-14; Cost $215.00
3 Day July 26-28; Cost $280.00

Blacksmithing Projects Peter Wells
Design and produce your own projects while strengthening basic forging skills and exploring advanced techniques. Choose 2 or 3 day classes.
2 Day August 3-4, 9:30-4:30 Cost $215
3 Day August 16-18, 9:30-4:30 Cost $280

Basic Bladesmithing Robert Bordeaux
This course will teach students how to forge a hidden tang knife blade including the basics of how to heat treat and temper blades. Each student goes home with a complete knife.
Dates June 8-9; 9, July 6-7, August 24-25,September 21-22; 9:30 – 4:30 
Cost $175

 

See our full listing of Courses & Workshops

LCMM Blacksmithing Guild

LCMM is pleased to announce the formation of the LCMM Blacksmithing Guild.  Our state-of-the-art 1,800-square-foot Rinehart Blacksmith Arts Center includes a studio shop that can accommodate up to five smiths. This has been a wonderful addition to the museum and has been used for our many blacksmithing classes and Annual Hammer-In.  We are now offering the shop space to experienced blacksmiths for individual use.

Only Members of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum (at any membership level) are eligible to participate in the Blacksmithing Guild. To Join the Guild: Annual fee is $35. An hourly "shop fee" of $10/hour includes the cost of coal, electricity and use of the shop equipment and tools.  New steel is available with the cost/foot of stock used posted.  There is no charge for scrap steel; i.e. "take some, bring some."

Members may bring a guest who may work at the member's forge, but the guest cannot use a second forge.  Children 12 years of age and older are welcome to work in the shop under the supervision of a competent adult. 

Experienced blacksmiths wishing to join will be asked to demonstrate safe blacksmithing skills prior to use of the shop.  Warren Rinehart or another Museum appointed blacksmith, will supervise a 1-2 hour introduction and orientation to the shop for experienced people interested in joining.  Applicants will be asked to demonstrate competence in fire management and basic forging techniques.  Beginners are required to take an approved introductory course before they can be considered for membership.  The highest standard of safety in the shop is essential.

Guild Blacksmiths will be responsible for scheduling time in advance by phone with the LCMM staff and signing in when they arrive and depart.  Guild Blacksmiths will be responsible for documenting their shop time and the cost of any new steel used.  Guild Blacksmiths will be billed and expected to pay monthly to remain in good standing.  Keeping the integrity of the shop in terms of tools, cleanliness, and locking the shop when the member leaves, is the responsibility of all and essential for the success of the museum’s ability to offer this type of membership.  Guild Blacksmiths need to respect the space and leave the shop as they found it. 

There will be no alcohol use or smoking allowed on the Museum grounds.  Safety glasses are required at all times in the shop.  The use of hearing protection and gloves is highly recommended.

The potential for the LCMM Blacksmithing Guild is limited only by the enthusiasm and vision of the members.  Regular demonstrations may be arranged on topics including specific skills, guest instructors, or public demonstrations.  A blacksmith blog to share information and ask questions is possible for providing useful information among members.  Suggestions for strengthening the LCMM Blacksmithing Guild are always welcome.

Ready to join the LCMM Blacksmithing Guild? Download the Application Form and contact us at (802) 475-2022 to get started.

 

Annual Hammer-In - May 25, 2013

Blacksmiths and metalworkers from Vermont and beyond gather at the Blacksmithing Arts Center to exchange information and compare work. Featured instructors help participants expand their knowledge and skills to create utilitarian and decorative objects. Museum visitors are welcome to observe the workshop and other presentations and chat with participants.

Blacksmith Hammer-In at LCMM
Join us for another Blacksmith Hammer-In! - May 25, 2013

 

We are delighted to have Peter Happny as featured demonstrator for the 2013 LCMM Hammer-In!

Blacksmith Peter Happny
Blacksmith Peter Happny in his studio in Portsmouth, NH,
working with a young blacksmith to make the letter "W".

Peter Happny got his blacksmithing start at Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth, NH. Today, more than 40 years later, Peter is an accomplished blacksmith, making commissioned, artistic, and functional pieces in a wide range of styles including colonial, art nouveau, gothic revival, arts and crafts, art deco, and contemporary. Some of his "jewelry for buildings" includes signs, railings, light fixtures, and iron sculptures; and he has taught and demonstrated blacksmithing all over the world. Read more about Peter and see his gallery of exceptional work online at www.peterhappny.com . Better yet, come see him in person at the Rinehart Blacksmith Arts Center at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum on May 25, 2013!

Date: May 25, 2013, 9am - 4pm
Featured Blacksmith: Peter Happny, www.peterhappny.com
Hosts: Warren Rinehart and Peter Wells
Fee: $35 includes lunch
Registration Required: Call or email us at
(802) 475-2022, info@lcmm.org

 

Special Thanks to