Is prior experience needed?

No prior metalworking experience is required; the workshop is suitable for beginners.

What safety precautions are taken?

Safety gear such as gloves and apron are provided, and instructors supervise all handling of hot materials.

How long does the workshop last?

The typical session lasts around 3 to 4 hours, including demonstration and hands-on creation.

Can I make more than one piece?

The workshop focuses on creating a single piece, but you will learn multiple techniques.

Participants should be at least 12 years old, with supervision for minors.

Yes, all necessary tools and materials are supplied for the workshop.

Water-Activities & Antique Boat Museum: Bronze Casting Experience

Located in the heart of the Antique Boat Museum, the Bronze Casting workshop offers a rare chance to get your hands dirty with a centuries-old craft amid stunning maritime surroundings. Set in a lively boatyard, this experience is perfect for those curious about traditional metalwork and marine hardware. Master craftsman Michael Saari guides participants through every step, from designing patterns to pouring molten bronze. These processes are not only technical but also deeply rooted in maritime history, making each piece created a tangible connection to the area’s rich boat-building traditions. The workshop highlights fundamental safety practices and introduces essential tools, making it accessible for beginners yet rewarding for experienced artisans.

What makes this experience stand out is its blend of craftsmanship and scenic setting, immersing guests in a vibrant labor of love that preserves the area’s nautical heritage. Attendees can expect to learn about the properties of bronze, the importance of precise pouring, and the artistry behind marine hardware like cleats, handles, and decorative fittings. Since the Antique Boat Museum hosts this as a hands-on workshop, participants leave with practical skills and a unique keepsake of their time in this iconic maritime environment.

This activity is ideal for craft enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone eager to forge their own piece of maritime art. Whether you’re a seasoned artisan or new to metalworking, the workshop provides a memorable behind-the-scenes view of boat-building traditions and the chance to create something lasting that pays homage to the region’s seafaring legacy.

About Antique Boat Museum

Antique Boat Museum, located in Clayton, New York in the scenic 1000 Islands, is North America's premier freshwater boating museum. The museum preserves and interprets the region's recreational and commercial boating heritage through collections, exhibits, and hands-on programs. Visitors can explore a collection of over 300 unique boats spanning runabouts, powerboats, houseboats, and rare classics, showcased in indoor galleries and an active boatyard.

Educational programming includes guided tours of the historic 106' houseboat La Duchesse, bronze casting workshops led by master craftsman Michael Saari, and practical training courses for mariners. Certified courses and endorsements available at the museum include the Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV - 6 Pack), Assistance Towing Endorsement, Auxiliary Sail Endorsement, and upgrade pathways toward Master/Mate credentials up to 100 GRT. These courses combine classroom instruction with on-water experience under volunteer captains.

Seasonal river cruises feature intimate 45-minute rides aboard a 30' Hacker Craft with small passenger limits to ensure a personal experience. General admission grants all-day access to exhibits, special events, and boat shows, including one of the longest-running boat shows in the region. The museum also accepts donations and supports preservation through membership and volunteer programs.

Antique Boat Museum serves historians, mariners, and families seeking an immersive waterfront experience. Its combination of curated collections, active restoration, practical training, and community events makes it a trusted destination for freshwater boating heritage in Clayton, New York. The museum's volunteer-driven programs and public events promote preservation, skills training, and community engagement across the Thousand Islands region year-round.