Hands-On Blacksmithing in Arthurdale: Forge a 1930s Wall Hook with Tim Hibbs

On the edge of the Appalachian Plateau in Arthurdale, West Virginia, the Blacksmithing Workshop invites you to step into a working 1930s-era forge and shape iron with fire and hammer. Taught by West Virginia artist and blacksmith Tim "Beard" Hibbs, this beginner-friendly session guides students through forging a wall hook modeled on the simple, utilitarian designs that defined Arthurdale's New Deal-era craft revival. The workshop takes place at the Blacksmiths Forge, 18 Q Rd. Arthurdale, WV 26520, where coal-stoked heat, anvil ring, and the smell of oil meet a compact shop restored for hands-on learning. What makes this experience special is its combination of living history and practical craft: Arthurdale was one of the first federal homestead communities of the 1930s, and the workshop intentionally references period forms so participants leave with an object rooted in place as well as skill. No prior forging experience is required. Under Tim Hibbs's patient instruction you'll learn basic hot work techniques—heating, hammer control, bending, and punching—then finish a small, functional wall hook you can carry home. Classes are small; the studio limits enrollment to four students, ensuring one-on-one attention and safer tool use. Practical details are straightforward. Wear long pants (no leggings) and close-toed shoes; safety glasses are provided and a waiver is required at check-in. The session asks you to bring your own lunch. Expect a physically active afternoon of standing, hammering, and working close to a heat source—this is craft work as much as it is art. The class is appropriate for ages 13 and up, and a two-student minimum must be met for the workshop to run. Beyond the take-home hook, the workshop is a way to engage with Arthurdale's cultural landscape. The compact forge at 18 Q Rd sits within a village planned during the 1930s; learning a historical craft here connects you to a community effort to rebuild rural life during a pivotal era in American social policy. Local artists like Tim "Beard" Hibbs maintain those skills, offering access to knowledge that might otherwise be confined to museums. If you're traveling through northern West Virginia and want a tactile, locally anchored experience—one that leaves you both sweaty and skilled—this two-hour blacksmithing session offers a memorable half-day investment. Whether you're a curious beginner or an outdoorsy traveler looking to add a maker's moment to your itinerary, the Arthurdale Blacksmithing Workshop is a hands-on way to carry home a piece of place. Reserve early; workshops are capped at four students and frequently fill when scheduled, so check availability via the referral link before you travel and come prepared for a vigorous, satisfying introduction to forging that rewards curiosity with a tangible, hand-crafted souvenir. Children under thirteen cannot participate as posted.