Watch our blacksmiths demonstrate their trade using authentic tools and techniques. We also offer blacksmithing classes through our Blacksmith School.

Meet Our Blacksmiths

  • Bill

    Blacksmithing has been an interest since an early age after seeing one at a steam engine show that my Dad took me to. I dabbled in it as a hobby, having had some rudimentary training in high school. When I became a Revolutionary War reenactor in 1990, I became more immersed in the craft in an effort to broaden my portrayal of 18th Century life. One month after my last Revolutionary War event in the fall of 2000, now an 18th century citizen, I started volunteering at the blacksmith shop at Jerusalem Mill. Blacksmithing is a craft that you learn by doing. I think that trying to recreate the style of 18th Century iron work is an enjoyable challenge, and I really enjoy interacting with visitors to the shop.

  • Bridget

    I started as a self-taught blacksmith at Steppingstone Farm Museum in late 2015. In 2019, I added Jerusalem Mill to learn more about colonial era hardware, and to have an opportunity to wear the outfit I previously wore as a Revolutionary War re-enactor.

  • Tom

    In 2016 I attended a First Day Hike here at Jerusalem Mill and was awed by the Blacksmith demonstration in the Forge. I became an apprentice and now volunteer as a Blacksmith and help with the apprentice program. Forging iron is an amazing craft requiring careful attention to every detail; continual learning; great moments of success and failure; and a very unique creative process.

Jerusalem Mill Blacksmith School

The Jerusalem Mill Blacksmith School is accepting students at the Historic Jerusalem Mill Village.

Beginner’s Class (Saturday and Sunday) two-day class to include the fundamentals of Blacksmithing, fire making and control, fire tools and tool making plus additional forging if time allows. Price is $250 and includes all materials and students take home their work.

Intermediate Class (one day class) for smiths that have already taken a Blacksmithing beginner class (please provide date and place of the Beginners class at registration). Price is $150.00 and includes all materials and students take home their work.

Available dates:

April 13, 2024 - Tong making class

Student age requirements: 14 to 17 yo must be accompanied by a fully paying adult over 18 yo. If adult is not the parent, a waiver form must be signed by the parent or guardian.

Instructors: Kit Wattenbarger and Jeff Magness

For more information or to register please text or phone:

Jeff Magness at 443-846-9555 or e-mail jwmagness@verizon.net

The total cost of the class is due within three weeks of booking. If you cancel the class, there is a $50 nonrefundable fee. We accept check, cash or credit cards. All classes are limited to 4 students per date.