This unique event offers a rare opportunity to observe Colonial iron making, blacksmithing and horseshoeing all in one amazing venue!
Three separate but related blacksmithing demonstrations will be proceeding in parallel in the shadow of the beautiful historic home, Stratford Hall, which was the birthplace of Robert E. Lee and the home of his important colonial ancestors, two of whom signed the Declaration of Independence.
All of these interesting demonstrations are aimed at educating the public on the importance of ironwork to the establishment and growth of colonial America.
Lee Sauder and Steve Mankowski will build a smelting furnace using clay and sand that will be fired and used to smelt a bloom of iron from little more than charcoal, iron ore and sheer will. That material will be forged into a colonial axe similar to the ones used by our Founding Fathers.
Jeff Dunkelberger, and his wife Caitlin Garvey, will demonstrate and interpret traditional colonial-period blacksmithing.
Steve Walthall, an award-winning professional farrier, will demonstrate and interpret many aspects of colonial horseshoeing.
Rounding out the event will be Richmond-based Falling Creek Ironworks will be exhibiting and discussing archaeologically significant observations and research from the oldest ironworks in Virginia.
Cost of the program is $10 for adults ($5 each for groups of 3 or more), $5 children, free to children under 5. Admission includes a tour of the Great House. For more information on this program, please visit www.StratfordHall.org
or phone 804-493-8038.
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