Forge Your First Hooks: Blacksmithing Workshop at Arthurdale Heritage

Read the full experience

At the heart of Arthurdale, West Virginia, you can trade a day of hiking for the pulse and rhythm of a working forge. Working the Forge: Introduction to Blacksmithing runs in Arthurdale’s historic 1930s forge, the building that housed the Mountaineer Craftsman Cooperative Association’s metalworking operation. Over a five-hour session you’ll learn safe hammering, how to use the horn of the anvil to form curves, and the twisting techniques that turn a length of steel into a decorative hook you can take home. The class is deliberately small—four students—so instruction is hands-on and paced for beginners. Instructors begin with basic safety and tool orientation, then move to heat management, shaping on the anvil, and finishing twists and curves. The project is focused: each participant forges one or more decorative hooks, practicing draws, bends, and controlled hammer blows that make blacksmithing feel both like craft and controlled force. This workshop is notable because it takes place in a genuine 1930s workspace tied to local craft history; the original forge, anvils, and rugged workbenches give the lesson a palpable sense of continuity. For visitors to Arthurdale, that continuity is part of the draw—this is an active way to experience a local cultural resource rather than seeing it behind glass. The session also connects contemporary makers with a regional tradition of practical metalwork. Practical details matter: the class runs 12pm–5pm, minimum age is 15, and children under 18 must attend with a parent or guardian who will sign waivers. Parking is in the gravel lot in front of Arthurdale Heritage or below the Forge near the dumpsters. Please do not park in the grass. All students must sign a waiver before the class begins. If you have mobility concerns, contact [email protected] or call 304-864-3959 to discuss accommodations. Expect heat, sparks, and physical work—blacksmithing is physically strenuous and rewarding. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants, and leave loose clothing or dangling jewelry at home. The tactile satisfaction of shaping red-hot steel and the instant feedback of a hammer strike make this a compact, memorable workshop whether you’re visiting from nearby or making Arthurdale a destination stop. Book this class to swap passive sightseeing for hands-on creation: you’ll leave with metal hooks you forged yourself, practical technique you can build on, and a clearer sense of why this small West Virginia community preserved its working forge as an educational place to learn and make. Participants travel from nearby Pittsburgh, Morgantown, and towns, and the class makes a tangible half-day workshop for road-trippers exploring West Virginia’s cultural sites. Expect to leave with a newfound respect for metalwork and a practical memento—small, durable hooks that carry the marks of your own hammer strokes and story to share.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

moderate.

Duration

5 hours (12pm–5pm).

Fitness level

You should be in reasonably good physical shape: expect standing for long stretches, moderate lifting, and repetitive hammering.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need prior blacksmithing experience?

No experience is required; the workshop starts with basic safety and tool orientation before moving into shaping and twisting exercises.

What is the minimum age?

Minimum age is 15; participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who will sign the waiver.

Where do I park and check in?

Parking is in the gravel lot in front of Arthurdale Heritage or below the Forge near the dumpsters. Please do not park in the grass. All students must sign a waiver before class.

Is the class physically demanding?

Yes—blacksmithing is physically strenuous and involves standing, hammering, and lifting heated metal; contact [email protected] or 304-864-3959 if you have mobility concerns.

What will I make and take home?

Students primarily forge decorative hooks; you’ll finish at least one piece to take home as a memento of the lesson.

What safety equipment is provided?

Instructors provide onsite safety equipment and guidance, but you should bring or wear closed-toe shoes and long pants and can bring safety glasses or gloves if preferred.

Local insights

Wildlife

White-tailed deer
Eastern wild turkey

History

Arthurdale was established as one of the first New Deal homestead communities and preserves its 1930s-era buildings and community craft spaces.

Conservation

Minimize waste and metal scraps; follow instructor guidance for proper disposal and avoid leaving hot coals or metal on the ground to protect the site.

About Arthurdale Heritage, Inc.

Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. preserves and shares the cultural history of Arthurdale, West Virginia through public programs, hands-on workshops, and community events. The organization hosts a range of experiences that connect visitors and residents with Appalachian traditions, including weaving, relief printing, herbalism, creative writing, folk music, and historical lectures. Programs include classroom-style workshops such as Tiny Tapestry: Weaving for Beginners and Mug Rug Weaving, which teach basic loom techniques and let participants take home finished pieces. Art-focused offerings include a Relief Printing Workshop led by Meish Claus and Ekphrastic Writing: A Creative Writing Workshop with Jessie Van Eerden, both designed for practical skill development and artistic exploration. Music and storytelling are central to the calendar with events like Folk Music of the Southern Coalfields featuring Chris Haddox, and an outdoor theatrical performance of Shakespeare’s MACBETH by the Rusted Mechanicals troupe. Educational talks and literary programming further highlight local history and practice. Making History with Christina Fisanick guides researchers and writers in using primary sources for family history and narrative work. Taste of Arthurdale presents historical perspectives on food in Appalachia, led by historian Katharine Donnelly. The Poetics of Gratitude workshop and Herbal Mixer build community through shared creative and practical activities. Arthurdale Heritage, Inc. programs are delivered by named instructors and guest presenters and take place in Arthurdale, West Virginia. The organization focuses on accessible, place-based learning and cultural preservation, offering scheduled workshops and events that invite participation from local communities and visitors alike. Program details and schedules are posted regularly.

Base locationArthurdale, West Virginia

Tours offered25+

Adventure tips

Dress for the forgeWear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and avoid loose clothing—sparks and hot metal make proper clothing essential.

Bring a water bottleA five-hour session near hot coal and metal is dehydrating; carry water and hydrate during breaks.

Sign the waiver earlyArrive a few minutes early to complete the required waiver so class time isn’t lost to paperwork.

Ask for one-on-one tipsWith only four students, instructors can give targeted feedback—don’t hesitate to request technique corrections.

Recommended gear

Closed-toe work shoes: Protects feet from heavy tools and hot metal fragments.
Leather or work gloves: Helpful for handling hot or rough stock during cool-down periods.
Safety glasses: Protects eyes from sparks and flying scale while forging.
Sturdy long pants: Reduces the risk of burns from sparks and hot metal.