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 Fall Northeast Blacksmiths Association President’s Message:
Hello, I hope this finds you, your family, and loved ones well and in good health. Unfortunately, I have to start with some sad news. For those of you who haven’t heard, former group president and long-time member of our group Jim Moran has passed away. Jim was a founding member and former president of both our group and the Capital District Blacksmiths. I was able to attend Jim’s wake, and I can tell you all I felt and heard was laughter, joy and funny stories. Jim would have loved it.
Our demonstrator for the last hammer in was Mark Sperry. Mark is a blacksmith at Colonial Williamsburg, and ABANA board member and a Forged-in-Fire champion. I’d like to thank him again for his demonstration.
Our demonstrator for the upcoming fall hammer-in will be Ian McCarthy. Ian McCarthy is an artist blacksmith/metalsmith that has been studying forging and metalwork for almost the past decade. His focus is in cookware, combining simple forging techniques with sculptural ideas to create functional and decorative work for the home and kitchen. In addition to his own shop practice, he volunteers his time doing public demos at various museums in Connecticut as well as teaching at crafts schools around the northeast. Ian has a variety of techniques planned for his demo some of which will include Japanese raising, stake forging, tin lining and copper patinas. I think many of us will be seeing things we haven’t seen before.
As usual we will be sharing the facilities with the New England Bladesmiths Guild. The forging contest for this hammer-in with be a “L” shaped bracket or sign hanger with decorative elements similar to the one that Mark made in his demonstration in the spring. You don’t have to match what Mark did. Feel free to do any style you like. However, please do not make anything larger than 18”. As always, I am open to hearing your feedback on ways we can improve our group and our hammer-ins. We are accepting applications for the scholarship to aid an individual with attending the hammer-in. Looking forward to seeing you.
Kelly S. Anson
President 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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