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Hancock Shaker Village Age of Iron Weekend10:05AM / Tuesday, August 04, 2009
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Blacksmiths from all over the northeast will converge on Hancock Shaker Village for the Age of Iron Weekend on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 2009. The two-day family event features demonstrations of blacksmithing and metal work. Forges and workshops will also be set up on the grounds throughout the historic Village with demonstrations, activities for the whole family, and opportunities for visitors to try their hand at being the Village “smithy.”
Blacksmiths, representing Berkshire, Connecticut, Capital District, and New England Blacksmith Guilds, will showcase their art and artisanship with both historical and contemporary demonstrations. Ironwork craftsmanship dating from the 17th to the 21st century, Japanese hardware, tool making, engraving, and Viking and Shaker forging are just a few of the techniques and styles that will be showcased. Beautiful hand-wrought items from the participating blacksmiths will also be available for purchase. Participants who make custom ironwork for the home will be available to discuss specific commissions. Many exhibitors will be dressed in period costume as they demonstrate using tools and equipment of the same time period.
Hancock Shaker Village ironwork will be highlighted with a special scavenger hunt for children, and interpretive talks pointing out Shaker metal work throughout the Village. Hancock Shaker Village’s blacksmith shop, which is staffed by skilled volunteer blacksmiths, will be open for tours and demonstrations.
Hancock Shaker Village President and CEO Ellen Spear comments, “Blacksmithing is an integral part of the Shaker history, especially here at Hancock Shaker Village. The Age of Iron Weekend is wonderfully fun and an excellent educational experience for the whole family.”
The Age of Iron Weekend is co-sponsored by the Berkshire Blacksmith’s Association. High resolution photos illustrating the event are available for download here: http://hsv.lsw.com/page.php?PageID=1841&PageName=HSV+Images .
Admission to the Village includes this great family event, as well as free access to the innovative, new audio tour program at the historic museum. Hancock Shaker Village members and children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Admission for adults is $16.50 and youth visitors aged 13 – 17 are $8.00. The Village is open daily from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. |
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