Adult Enrichment Classes
We offer a bevy of adult enrichment classes that give you an opportunity to learn new skills, gain new ideas and just have fun. See below for our 2024 classes, but make sure to check this page often as we will continue to add/update offerings.
Blacksmithing
Taste of Blacksmithing
8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
In “A Taste of Blacksmithing,” you will learn how to start a coal forge, heat steel to a forging temperature and the basics of hammer control. Various tools and techniques will be introduced along the way (including forge welding). The typical participant will go home with a couple hooks, nails and forge-welded chain link or two. All materials included.
Proper attire required: Safety glasses (we have some available), long pants and closed toed shoes. Please avoid synthetic fibers.
May 26 | June 30 | July 21 | Aug 25 | Sept 15 | Oct 13
Open Forge
12:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Looking for a forge where you can practice your blacksmithing? You’ve come to the right place. Join us for our “Open Forge” to work on any of your own projects! If you need it, help will be available from our experienced blacksmiths. Our afternoon “Open Forge” is a place to practice your smith skills. The format of this session is not instructional. Those looking for a blacksmithing class should see the above event listing for “A Taste of Blacksmithing.” We hope to see you in the forge!
“Open Forge” Prerequisite: Past attendance at one of our “A Taste of Blacksmithing” sessions.
Class Costs
Taste of Blacksmithing (Non-Museum Members): $80 per class
Taste of Blacksmithing (Museum Members): $70 per class
Open Forge (Non-Museum Members):
$25 per person
Open Forge (Museum Members):
$20 per person
The Art of Rug Braiding: 3-Day Workshop
Register now as the class is limited to 8 students!
Welcome to the Art of Rug Braiding!
In this 14-hour workshop, students will use recycled and new wool fabric to create a 2’ x 3’ oval rug to take home. During 3 workshop sessions (4-5 hours on each date), you will learn a new skill and create a colorful braided rug.
All learning levels welcome! This workshop is appropriate for teens and adult learners. Teens under 14 require adult supervision.
The skill of braiding presents opportunities to recycle worn-out textiles that you may already own. You’ll be truly inspired by the many ways braiding skills can help use/reduce what we toss into landfills. Your wool rug will become a family heirloom!
Students MUST attend the first class to start your rug. If you cannot make all 3 sessions, accommodations can be made to help you complete your rug.
~ Class Costs ~
Museum Members: $70 per class
Non-Museum Members: $80 per class
Additional potential costs:
- New students can buy a bag of essential tools at the first class: $18, payable directly to the instructor at the first class. Or bring your own!
- Wool fabric will be available at $11 per half-yard. Some free wool fabric will also be available.
Wool – You are welcome to bring any wool fabric that you already have. You are also welcome to bring any wool garments or blankets that you might wish to deconstruct. Please wash & dry these before you come to class.
For all the details on the instructor, Mary Ragno, and what to expect in each class,
please click on the button below!
Click here to Download the Flier
Brownington Beekeepers
Our learning apiary got off the ground with funding from New England Grassroots Environmental Fund and the Vermont Community Foundation. It features four beehives located behind the Alexander Twilight House that are maintained by the Brownington Beekeepers. The Beekeepers are active all year, maintaining our hives and educating beekeepers throughout our region with monthly meetings. Join their email list to learn more and take part.
About Our Adult Enrichment Classes
Here at the Old Stone House Museum & Historic Village, we work hard to offer expertly-led hands-on educational experiences to our community. Whether you take part in a blacksmithing or rug braiding course or participate in timber framing or apple grafting workshops, you are a member of a special community.
Please join us in learning about history in a unique way while also gaining real heritage skills. Then consider making a donation to support our adult enrichment workshops.
Your support is both needed and profoundly appreciated and we thank you in advance.