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.
Check back for updates as classes become available!
The best way to get informed about upcoming classes/events is to sign up for our eNewsletter.
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.
2025 Dates
Sunday, May 25th | Sunday, June 29 | Sunday, July 20 | Sunday, August 31 | Sunday, September 14 | Sunday, October 12
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.
2025 Dates
Sunday, May 25th | Sunday, June 29 | Sunday, July 20 | Sunday, August 31 | Sunday, September 14 | Sunday, October 12
2025 Class Costs
Taste of Blacksmithing (Non-Museum Members): $85 per class
Taste of Blacksmithing (Museum Members): $75 per class
Open Forge (Non-Museum Members):
$25 per person
Open Forge (Museum Members):
$20 per person
Outdoor Sketching
Join artist and illustrator Bill Tulp for lessons in drawing from observation. Flowers, trees, natural objects and historic buildings on the museum grounds will be our artistic subjects. We will start with simple sketches and progress to more elaborate drawings. In case of inclement weather we will draw inside with a collection of natural objects.
Participants are encouraged to bring a sketchbook to continue recording their observations (Approx. 9″ x12″ is ideal.) Paper and drawing materials will be provided. Adults & Teens | $15
Neighbor to Neighbor Speaking Series
July 10th, 4 pm
In this talk, Craven will describe working with actors such as Rip Torn, Tantoo Cardinal, Kris Kristofferson and Michael J. Fox, and share the satisfactions and challenges that come from a deep immersion into place-based narrative in his films.
Nadine Budbill, The Poetry of a Place and Its People: David Budbill’s Judevine
Vermont writer David Budbill was inspired by his own working-
class background to shine a light on the lives of his beautiful,
ingenious, struggling, and unseen neighbors. Presented by his
daughter, Nadine Budbill, this talk introduces David and his
work, followed by a selection of his evocative and timeless poems.
M.T. Anderson, The Power of Landscape
New York Times bestselling author M. T. Anderson considers the politics of beautiful scenery and the hidden national longings behind our sense of landscape. He’ll look at the history of our attitudes toward landscape, traditional New England landscape painting, and the work of some contemporary Vermont artists in discussing how our neighbors have found meaning in their surroundings.
Jessica Ridell, Finding Hope
From the long-term health and economic impact of COVID-19 to devastating floods in the region, our neighbors have grappled with a way to move forward amid tragedy. Ridell, the founder of the Hope Circuit Institute, invites audiences to reflect on their origin stories as a means of remembering ourselves and locating hope.
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!
3-Day workshop — July 12th | August 2nd | August 9th from 10am-2pm
In this 3-day 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 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: $22, 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.