In line with WKU’s policy for dealing with the COVID-19, the Kentucky Museum is closed to the public until further notice. Museum staff can respond to phone calls and emails.

Kentucky Museum - Hammer In

Hammer In at the Kentucky Museum

Free and Family-Friendly

Saturday, October 5, 2019

10AM - 3PM

Free parking available off of Kentucky Street. Follow the Hammer In Parking Signs.

Join us at the Kentucky Museum for a free community event celebrating the metal workers' trade.

Forge Demonstrations
Tinsmith Demonstrations
Green Coal Classes
Kentucky Folklife Narrative Stage
Aluminum Pour

Click on the arrows below to view activities.

10 am - 10:30 am

Hammer In Kickoff

Kentucky Folklife Program Narrative Stage

10:30 am - 12 pm

Forge Demonstrations

Tinsmith Demonstration

Green Coal Classes

Aluminum Pour

1 pm - 3 pm

Forge Demonstration

Tinsmith Demonstration

Green Coal Classes

Aluminum Pour

Downloadable Schedule

Demonstrators:

Dave Gibson

Dave Gibson has been a blacksmith since 1976 and associated with the Kentucky Horse park from 1986 to 2013. In his own words, he is a "jack of all trades" when it comes to creating functional and decorative items for horses. Since retiring as farrier for the Kentucky Horse Park, Dave has become more focused on artistic and utilitarian blacksmithing.

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.

Jonathan Eby

Jonathan began to experiment with his family's foundry and black smiting tools as a teenager. He is the current foundry master at Pioneer Foundry in Caneyville, KY that manufactures Pioneer Wood Burning Stoves. Jonathan also makes his own tools as well as runs a steam powered wood shop and sawmill.

Green Coal Class Teachers

Want to try your hand at forge work? Sign up for a green coal class during the Hammer In by stopping by the Information Tent. Class space is limited and registration is based on first come first served.

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).

Greg Knight

Greg has had a lifelong interest in Blacksmithing and took that interest to the next level two years ago at the first Kentucky museum Hammer In. Greg enjoys teaching decorative metal and working with the next generation of blacksmiths.