Basic Blacksmithing
Forge new skills by learning the essential elements of blacksmithing. Join us in the Modern Blacksmith Shop where stewardship and tradition meet innovation. In this workshop, you will learn how to use our traditional coal-fired forge, gain hammer and anvil experience to help your project take shape, and get perspectives about the overall history and importance of blacksmithing. This class is for individuals ages 14+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. Members: $270 | Nonmembers: $300
Basic Embroidery
Want to learn the foundations of embroidery that provide more depth and knowledge than just an online tutorial? Join our Basic Embroidery course and learn how to create different types of basic stitches. Once you have mastered these introductory embroidery skills, you will use these stitches to create an item that shows off your skills. This class will give you the experience and confidence to expand on these basic skills. All tools and materials are provided. This class is for individuals ages 12+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. Members: $85, Nonmembers: $95
Blacksmithing: Flint and Steel
Flint and steel are integral to fire making. As there are many methods to fire starting, the flint Firestarter stands out above the rest. During this two-hour class, learn how to make a flint and steel Firestarter while also experiencing how to use it to light a primitive fire. You will use a traditional coal-fired forge, gain hammer and anvil experience, and learn how to use a simple bending jig. All tools and materials are provided. This class is for individuals ages 13+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. Members: $30, Nonmembers: $35
Blacksmithing: 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. From wall hooks to BBQ skewers, flint and steel to a dinner bell, this program guides you through the process of learning new skills and refining techniques. All tools and materials are provided. This class is for individuals ages 13+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. Members: $100, Nonmembers: $110
Blacksmithing: One Piece Knife
Get an understanding of the art form of bladesmithing by creating your own decorated simple knife, a style of blade forging that has been carried down throughout history. In this class, you will learn how to use our traditional coal forge, gain hammer and anvil techniques, and perfect the use of files and grinders. After you have crafted your knife, you will heat treat the metal for a hardened finish. Upon completion, you not only get to leave with an enhanced understanding of history, but you also get to take home your creation. All tools and materials are provided. This class is for individuals 13+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. Members: $90, Nonmembers: $100
Cheers to Chocolate
Celebrate Valentine’s Day by enjoying some perfect pairings with your perfect partner, significant other, or best friend! Ages 21+, Members: $45, Nonmembers: $50
Chocolate at the Hearth
In preparation for Valentine’s Day, join us at the hearth for a unique experience and learn how to prepare some delicious historic chocolate recipes.
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
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
Knifesmithing: Building the Hand Forged Knife
Knife forging dates back thousands of years. Learn about the history of the hand-forged knife in the nineteenth century and the creation of a traditional hand-forged knife. We will talk about topics like why proper steel selection is important and guide you to properly use a coal forge and anvil for your steel to take shape. This is a 5-week class. This class is for individuals ages 16 and up. Members: $285, Nonmembers: $315
Leaf and Flower Pounding
Spring brings out the best in nature’s colors as blooms come to life in a palette of endless possibilities. The season’s natural materials can be an inspiration for you to use your green thumb and create beautiful and impressive works of art in unconventional ways. This class is for individuals ages 12+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. Members: $100, Nonmembers: $110
Metalworking: Copper Bracelet
Creating wearable art is a unique and personal metalworking experience. We provide the tools and techniques for you to make a copper bracelet. This class is for individuals ages 10+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. Members: $30, Nonmembers: $35
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. This class is for individuals ages 14+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. Members: $77, Nonmembers: $85
Woodworking: Shaker Side Table
Shaker furniture is an American phenomenon, born from a unique set of religious ideals. Shaker craftspeople were ahead of their time in the nineteenth century, embodying humility and integrity while embracing technical creativity. In this weekly workshop, consisting of three sessions, students will build a small table with a single drawer using hand tools and locally sourced walnut wood. This workshop is for individuals ages 16 and up. Members: $465, Nonmembers: $515
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. This class is for individuals ages 13+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. Members: $155, Nonmembers: $170
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: 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 work. This two-day class is an introduction to fine furniture making and traditional woodworking for anyone interested in early American furniture or classic joinery. This class is for individuals ages 14+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. Members: $225, Nonmembers: $250
Woodworking Unplugged: Spoon Carving
Learn how to carve a simple spoon in this one-day, beginner friendly class. Lessons will cover safe carving techniques, tools, differences in carving greenwood* and “dry” wood, and the use of finishes. This class is for individuals ages 14+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. Members: $130, Nonmembers: $145
Woodworking Unplugged: Trinket Box
Learn about the marvels of woodworking in this introductory class that teaches you how to make a trinket box. This class is for individuals ages 8+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. Members: $30 Nonmembers: $35