Axe Forging
Learn all the skills needed to create a strong, durable, and precisely shaped axe with this two-day class. Use a traditional coal forge, hammer, and anvil to create your own small camp axe.
Fun in the Forge
Experience the thrill of being a blacksmith for the day. At Fun in the Forge, you will learn how to use a coal forge and anvil to create some simple yet impressive products
Corn to Cocktail
In this hands-on class, guests learn about the versatility of Indiana’s top crop–corn! Attendees learn about corn’s influence on history and also on the spirits that we consume. We will practice some basic bar skills, mix up two historical cocktails and hear the often-colorful stories behind each one, while sipping socially.
Forest Therapy
Experience the pleasures of nature through all your senses, led by a certified Forest Therapy guide. Forest Therapy is a guided walk that invites participants to slow down and experience nature spaces in new ways. It’s a time to intentionally surround yourself in nature without distraction.
Gardening for the Beginner
Need a starting point for your garden and some helpful best practices for successful first steps? Join us in the garden for an introductory class where you learn all the basics to get your garden growing in the right direction. This class is for individuals ages 12+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. Members: $27, Nonmembers: $30
Cooking at the Hearth
Embark on a journey of culinary discovery at The William Conner House. Let the alluring smell of the wood smoke warm your heart on a brisk fall day as you fill your mind and stomach with recipes from the past.
Feeding and Healing the Historical Family with Herbs
Journey from the garden to the kitchen as you learn to create herb-based recipes using herbs from the Conner Prairie garden.
Historical African American Cuisine
Nourish your soul and immerse yourself in the fellowship of historical African American cuisine.
Historic Vegetarian Cooking
Dive into history and learn from the past as you cook a variety of historical vegetarian recipes from the early nineteenth-century movements.
Ice Cream, Three Ways
Did you know that you can find ice cream recipes dating back to 1830s cookery books and beyond? Discover those receipts with us and get your ice cream cranking arm ready as we try out some of these historical recipes for both familiar and more unusual flavors (we’ll pass on oyster ice cream, thank you). This class is for individuals ages 12+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. Members: $80, Nonmembers: $90
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Painted Canvas for the Home
In the nineteenth century, canvas floor cloths were once used to protect wooden floors in a hallway, under a dining table, or even under a chamber pot. We will learn from these historical designs and use acrylic paints to create a smaller piece. Choose from projects like a table runner, a table mat, or even a portable checkerboard.
Pure Imagination!
Celebrate the birthday month of Forrest E. Mars, who helped to create Snickers, 3 Musketeers, and Mars bars, as well as M&Ms!
Raising Poultry
Have you ever wanted to raise poultry, but weren’t sure where to start? Do you wonder what it takes to raise chickens or ducks? If so, then this class is for you! Join Conner Prairie’s Ag Staff as we discuss everything you need to know about raising a small flock of poultry.
Timberframing
During this two-day class, participants will learn basic tool use (using corner chisels, slicks, and boring machines), layout strategy, and joinery. Together, class participants will use their new skills to connect the timbers together and create a small garden shed.
Intermediate Wheel Thrown Pottery
Take the next step in your wheel throwing skills and deepen your understanding of the historical techniques needed to craft beautiful works of pottery.
Wheel Thrown Pottery
Discover the basics of wheel thrown pottery. This four-session workshop gives you the time and space to practice all aspects of throwing and shaping pottery. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate student, you will be able to develop skills at your own pace.
Woodworking: 19th Century Puzzle Box
Pocket-size boxes with trick lids were popular in the nineteenth century for carrying tobacco, among other things. This class is for individuals ages 14+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. Members: $80, Nonmembers: $90
Woodworking Unplugged: Bowl Carving
Carved wooden bowls, ladles, and other vessels were common to early households and are still useful in today’s design. In this beginner-friendly class, students will learn to carve and shape a decorative bowl using a variety of hand tools, including gouges, draw knives, and chisels.
Woodworking Unplugged: Hand Cut Dovetailing
The beautiful and resilient dovetail joint has become a hallmark of high-quality furniture. But in the past, it was a utilitarian method for joining boards together and often hidden on finer woodworking. This two-day class is an introduction to fine furniture making and traditional woodworking for anyone interested in early American furniture or classic joinery.
Woodworking: Walnut Blanket Chest
Blanket chests were common in early households designed and used to protect wool blankets and other textiles. Simple in design yet elegant, these chests still fit into any décor and make for a great personalized family heirloom.