Welcome to the Northeast Blacksmiths Association
Mission Statement: To promote and provide educational opportunities in the traditional art and craft of blacksmithing."I just wanted to drop you a quick line to say thanks so much for having me at this year’s semi-annual Hammer In, in scenic Olivebridge. I had such a fantastic time getting some hands-on time at a forge, which has been a dream of mine for over 30 years now. The instructor was incredibly patient, kind with his time, and supportive of everyone at the Student Demo and I think it’s fair to say that a great time was had by all. I can’t wait to attend the next one in the Spring!" Casey Ostrander
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Since 1977, the Northeast Blacksmiths Association has been offering opportunities to experience first-hand the traditional craft of forging hot iron into useful or artistic items. Semi-annual "Hammer-Ins" at the Ashokan Center in Olivebridge, NY provide a multi-level approach to give both beginners and experienced smiths the instruction and inspiration to improve their skills and confidence.
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Just announced scholarship opportunity! An anonymous donor has come forward to offer a scholarship for an aspiring 'prentice interested in traditional/historic Blacksmiths' work to spend a day or weekend, at either a spring or fall Hammer-In at Ashokan presented to commemorate over fifty years of educational opportunities by the Northeast Blacksmiths Association.
To apply, please submit three photos of recent work, two letters of recommendation, and any supporting information such as volunteering at near-by historic site, Scout Blacksmithing Badge, or any other classes, workshops or even a day spent with a local smith.
Submit your application by September 15, 2025 by e-mailing required credentials to Tim Neu at [email protected] with 'Shokan 'Prentice in the subject line. The winner of the scholarship will be announced by September 20, 2025. The winner may choose a spring or fall Hammer-IN, with all registration costs covered!
2025 Fall Northeast Blacksmiths Association President’s Message:
Hello everyone. I hope you and your loved ones are well and had a pleasant summer. I’d like to start by thanking Anna Koplik for the great job she did demonstrating for our group at the spring hammer-in. Our demonstrator for the fall hammer-in will be Thomas Boucher. Tom’s shop, Greasy Luck Forge, is located in New Hampshire and his work focuses on locksmithing, restoration and utilitarian tools and objects. I don’t recall us ever having a demonstration with locksmithing. I am looking forward to seeing something I haven’t seen before.
A generous, anonymous donor has created a scholarship to help someone who might not otherwise be able to afford registration for our event. The applicant should be either a hobbyist or practicing smith who can submit photographs of their work to show this. If you are interested, or know someone you think this will help, please contact either myself or Tim Neu to ask about application.
For years, we have had some difficulties with parking vehicles in the area around the blacksmith shop and the adjacent roadways. It is technically a path that should be clear for emergency services vehicles and delivery trucks. This has caused a great deal of friction between our grout and The Ashokan Center’s staff. During the group’s business meeting in the spring this was discussed. To resolve this issue once and for all, I made the decision to institute a change to parking during our events. From now on parking near the blacksmith shop, bunkhouse, bathroom, and the sides of the road will be only for short periods of time (10-15 minutes) to unload baggage or passengers. All tailgating will be located either in the field on the southeast side of the pewter shop or the field in front of the pavilion. Signs will be placed during the hammer-in to make this clear. If you are not tailgating, as always, please park your vehicle in the upper parking lot or in the field near the pavilion. If you have trouble walking, please let Tim Neu or me know and we will arrange rides from the parking areas for you. I understand that this change may not be a popular one, but it will go a long way to our relationship with The Ashokan Center.
As has become tradition in the fall, we are sharing the facilities with The New England Bladesmiths Guild. Their event this year will be focused on swords so they are expected to have larger than typical attendance. I am looking forward to seeing everyone. The forging contest item for this hammer-in will be a forged spatula. The winner of the contest will receive $50 off the registration fee for a future hammer-in.
Kelly Anson
President of Northeast Blacksmiths Association
To apply, please submit three photos of recent work, two letters of recommendation, and any supporting information such as volunteering at near-by historic site, Scout Blacksmithing Badge, or any other classes, workshops or even a day spent with a local smith.
Submit your application by September 15, 2025 by e-mailing required credentials to Tim Neu at [email protected] with 'Shokan 'Prentice in the subject line. The winner of the scholarship will be announced by September 20, 2025. The winner may choose a spring or fall Hammer-IN, with all registration costs covered!
2025 Fall Northeast Blacksmiths Association President’s Message:
Hello everyone. I hope you and your loved ones are well and had a pleasant summer. I’d like to start by thanking Anna Koplik for the great job she did demonstrating for our group at the spring hammer-in. Our demonstrator for the fall hammer-in will be Thomas Boucher. Tom’s shop, Greasy Luck Forge, is located in New Hampshire and his work focuses on locksmithing, restoration and utilitarian tools and objects. I don’t recall us ever having a demonstration with locksmithing. I am looking forward to seeing something I haven’t seen before.
A generous, anonymous donor has created a scholarship to help someone who might not otherwise be able to afford registration for our event. The applicant should be either a hobbyist or practicing smith who can submit photographs of their work to show this. If you are interested, or know someone you think this will help, please contact either myself or Tim Neu to ask about application.
For years, we have had some difficulties with parking vehicles in the area around the blacksmith shop and the adjacent roadways. It is technically a path that should be clear for emergency services vehicles and delivery trucks. This has caused a great deal of friction between our grout and The Ashokan Center’s staff. During the group’s business meeting in the spring this was discussed. To resolve this issue once and for all, I made the decision to institute a change to parking during our events. From now on parking near the blacksmith shop, bunkhouse, bathroom, and the sides of the road will be only for short periods of time (10-15 minutes) to unload baggage or passengers. All tailgating will be located either in the field on the southeast side of the pewter shop or the field in front of the pavilion. Signs will be placed during the hammer-in to make this clear. If you are not tailgating, as always, please park your vehicle in the upper parking lot or in the field near the pavilion. If you have trouble walking, please let Tim Neu or me know and we will arrange rides from the parking areas for you. I understand that this change may not be a popular one, but it will go a long way to our relationship with The Ashokan Center.
As has become tradition in the fall, we are sharing the facilities with The New England Bladesmiths Guild. Their event this year will be focused on swords so they are expected to have larger than typical attendance. I am looking forward to seeing everyone. The forging contest item for this hammer-in will be a forged spatula. The winner of the contest will receive $50 off the registration fee for a future hammer-in.
Kelly Anson
President of Northeast Blacksmiths Association
Something for every skill level and ability!
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World-class demonstrators
Fully equipped Forges Spacious lecture areas On site coal and steel sales Tool and equipment sales |
Personalized instruction
Parent/child packages Tools and steel provided
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Tailgating sales of tools, equipment, and materials is an important activity at our meets. There is no additional fee for vending merchandise...it's all part of the program!
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Ashokan Center
477 Beaverkill Rd. Olivebridge, NY 12461 |
Program and registration:
845-657-7553 |
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