Hammer In
Free and Family-Friendly
Saturday, October 10, 2026
10 AM to 3 PM
Free parking available off of Kentucky Street in WKU parking lots. Follow the Hammer In Parking Signs. For GPS directions, use our street address: 1472 Kentucky Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Join us at the Kentucky Museum for a free community event celebrating the metal workers' trade, including:
- Forge demonstrations.
- Tinsmithing demonstrations.
- Aluminum Pour demonstration and make-your-own pour.
- Basic Forge Skills Demonstrations.
- Opportunity to meet metalworkers and artisans, shop/commission, and discover Southcentral Kentucky's rich artisan community.
- Opportunity to learn about joining metal working associations and getting started in the trade.
- Learn about the Kentucky Forge Council and become a member.
- Kentucky Folklife Program Narrative Stage, including an interview with our Featured Blacksmiths.
- Kentucky Archaeological Survey, hands-on demonstration of ancient Native American pump drill technology.
- Big T's BBQ food truck.
Click on the arrows below to view activities.
Hammer In Kickoff 10AM
Featured Demonstrator presentation
Museum Lot
- KFC Member demonstrations
- Artisan booths
- KFC informational booth
- Kentucky Archaeological Survey demonstration
Felts House Lawn
- Tinsmith demonstrations
- Basic Blacksmithing Skills demonstrations
Circle Drive - Aluminum Pour
Big T's BBQ
Museum open to public
Lunch. Many demonstrators take a quick lunch break.
Featured Demonstrator presentation
Museum Lot
- KFC Member demonstrations
- Artisan booths
- KFC informational booth
- Kentucky Archaeological Survey demonstration
Felts House Lawn
- Tinsmith demonstrations
- Basic Blacksmithing Skills demonstrations
Circle Drive - Aluminum Pour
Big T's BBQ
Museum open to public
Featured Demonstrators
Fiery Furnace Forge
Fiery Furnace Forge is a prominent blacksmithing tool manufacturing company based in Columbia, KY,owned and operated by craftsman David Edward Custer.
Custer started at a very young age and has mentored under some of the most prominent blacksmiths of our time, including Brian Brazeal and the co-designer of the famous Tire Hammer, Clay Spencer.
Fiery Furnace Forge has been in business for over 10-years and is currently the largest supplier of American Made blacksmithing tools-- the workshop produces heavy-duty tools designed for traditional and modern metalwork.
Demonstrators
Kentucky Forge Council
The Kentucky Forge Council is a community organization dedicated to preservation of the craft of blacksmithing through hands-on education. The council meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Kentucky Museum. The group and its meetings are open to the public. Find out more on their Facebook page.
Randy Hulsey, Jennings Creek Tin Shoppe
Randy began his apprenticeship under Tinsmith Bill Lawrence "Uncle Billy". He studied with him for three years before establishing his own shop. Randy is a juried member of the Kentucky Craft Market program, He uses 18c forming stake tools while specializing in 18th & 19th Century reproduction tinware and living history demonstrations.
Greg Knight
Greg has had a lifelong interest in Blacksmithing and took that interest to the next level in 2016 during the first Kentucky Museum Hammer-In. Greg enjoys teaching decorative metal and working with the next generation of blacksmiths.
Daniel Nagel
Chris Radus
A Pittsburgh native resides and has his forge in Bowling Green where he makes art out of recycled metal and wood. Radus' metal working roots go back to his grandfather who was a professional blacksmith in the old country (Hungary).
The WKU League of Sculptors
The League of Sculptors is a WKU student organization intent on sharing and supporting sculpture. They are engaged in showing student work and participating in sculpture organizations and conferences on a local, regional and international level.
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