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
View registration options HERE:
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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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2026 Spring Northeast Blacksmiths Association President’s Message
Hello everyone. I hope you and your loved ones are well and got through the winter. I’d like to start by thanking Tom Boucher of Greasy Luck Forge for wonderful job he did demonstrating for our group at the fall hammer-in. For those of you who couldn’t attend, Tom’s primary work is locksmithing and his demonstration was interesting and I can say not quite like any demonstration we’ve had. Tom has two books he’s written and illustrated. The first is “Basic Handmade Padlock Patterns and Instructional Guide” and “Handmade Padlock II and the Ancient Technique of Forge Brazing.” If you could not come to Tom’s demonstration, I recommend you order copies of his book. They are beautifully illustrated and show his process step by step They are for sale through his website. Tom provided our group with a padlock identical to the one he made in his demo that we will be auctioning off to help fund our scholarship program.
For our spring hammer-in our demonstrator will be Mark Sperry. Mark started blacksmithing in 1985 in his parent’s backyard and hasn’t slowed down yet.in the last forty years mark has worked in a wide range of different styles of work trying to make it all. For the last 27 years he has worked at colonial Williamsburg in the Anderson blacksmith shop doing reproduction ironwork. For the last four years he has served on the board of ABANA and is currently helping with the planning of the next conference.
Mark has spent most of his blacksmithing career doing traditional work. A lot of 18th century reproductions a fair amount of architectural iron work. Mark also enjoys making knives and other sharp objects from time to time. In his demonstrations in the past couple years mark has shown a project built as it would be figured out, focusing on the basics to build a more complex product, and built with a minimum amount of tooling. It should be interesting to watch or a train wreck, one of the two. The general theme of the demo will be some sort of architectural piece which might include punching, riveting, collaring. welding drawing out, bending right angles.
I am looking forward to the warmer weather and seeing you all at the 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:
845-475-1406 |
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