Classes held throughout the year; See below for dates and class offerings
Times: Class times vary; See below for specific times
Cost: Class prices are based on class length ($30/hour) plus a $40 materials fee. Members receive 20% off the base class price but do not receive a discount on materials.
Classes meet in the Museum Education Building unless otherwise noted.
Spend some time at the Village learning a historical craft. These adult workshops vary from blacksmithing to textiles, coopering, foodways, and more. Come and try your hand at a craft and take home your finished masterpiece! Unless otherwise specified, workshops will be held in the Museum Education Center. Historical Craft Classes are for adults, ages 18 and up, unless otherwise noted.
All class registrations CLOSE 1 week prior to the event. Register online below, or call 508-347-0274 if you have questions.
PLEASE NOTE: All classes require at least 4 participants in order to run. If a class does not have 4 registrants the class will be canceled and all participants will receive a full refund.
New classes are being added throughout the year! Check back at a later date for new additions.
Basic Blacksmithing
September 30, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Meets at Museum Education Building – Download Map
Member: $184 | Non-Member: $220
Click here to register for September 30, 2023 SOLD OUT
Learn about the shaping of iron with a forge and hammer! This class will guide you through the fundamentals of forge work. The class will involve a discussion of the equipment needed and how to use it, the correct techniques for shaping metal, and the creation of a couple of projects well suited with the beginner in mind. No experience is necessary. Wear long pants, closed shoes and clothes you don’t mind ruining.
Instructor: Ethan Choiniere was taught to smith at Old Sturbridge Village and has been working a forge for 9 years. He has experienced forging tools for trades, farm, home and hearth out of wrought iron and steel.
Basket Weaving (Table Basket)
September 30, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Meets at Museum Education Building – Download Map
Member: $184 | Non-Member: $220
Click here to register for September 30, 2023
Learn to weave a Table Basket for bread, muffins, or cookies. Students will learn basic weaving techniques, how to add embellishment with reed, and will be able to go home with a finished basket.
Instructor: Claire Williams has been weaving baskets for over thirty-five years. She volunteers and interprets the basket weaving craft and its history at Old Sturbridge Village. She works with traditional materials, black ash and reed to create New England and Nantucket woven vessels.
Hand Tool Woodworking
September 30, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Meets at Museum Education Building – Download Map
Member: $184 | Non-Member: $220
Click here to register for September 30, 2023
Learn more about traditional hand tools and woodworking techniques in this full day course. Participants will develop their woodworking skills and build confidence using basic tools, while making a wooden box with a sliding lid.
Instructor: Christopher Nassise is the Historic Trades Coordinator at Old Sturbridge Village. He is a graduate of the Cabinet and Furniture Making program at the North Bennet Street School in Boston, and the artisan owner of The Green Woodshop, in North Easton, Massachusetts.
Forging Garden Tools (Hand Trowel)
October 1, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Meets at Museum Education Building – Download Map
Member: $184 | Non-Member: $220
Click here to register for October 1, 2023
Trowels are a great hand tool for the home gardener and see frequent use throughout the season. Learn to forge your own hand trowel while learning useful forge techniques along the way. This class is intended for students with basic knowledge of blacksmith work.
Instructor: Ethan Choiniere was taught to smith at Old Sturbridge Village and has been working a forge for 9 years. He has experienced forging tools for trades, farm, home and hearth out of wrought iron and steel.
Spoon Carving Basics
October 1, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Meets at Museum Education Building – Download Map
Member: $184 | Non-Member: $220
Click here for October 1, 2023
Learn to carve a wooden spoon. Participants in this full day course will be introduced to basic spoon carving techniques and use simple tools to carve their own cooking spoon from green wood.
Instructor: Christopher Nassise is the Historic Trades Coordinator at Old Sturbridge Village. He is a graduate of the Cabinet and Furniture Making program at the North Bennet Street School in Boston, and the artisan owner of The Green Woodshop, in North Easton, Massachusetts.
