Shared by Christa Kermode, volunteer and special events coordinator, as Guest Blogger.

The Blacksmith Guild of the Potomac (BGOP) has forged a partnership with Sky Meadows State Park and will be firing it up this season for monthly demonstrations of the age-old craft. 

Blacksmithing at Sky Meadows State Park

Beginning in March at the “Eggstravaganza” event, fire, steel, and hammers were ablaze at Sky Meadows State Parks’ Blacksmith Shop. Visitors experienced history come to life. The blacksmiths used the parks historic forge and the “Big Bull” forge donated by the guild. Visitors got to find out about the tools of the trade and see guild members wielding their hammers to forge beautiful artisan crafts and farm necessities.

Before the Industrial Revolution, smiths were part of every town. Around 1850, countries like the United States of America and the United Kingdom developed new ways to make steel and tools in factories. Factories could make tools faster, and for less money than blacksmiths, resulting in a decrease in the number of blacksmiths. 

Today, blacksmiths make iron as an art, so visit Sky Meadows State Parks’ Blacksmith Shop to find out more about the art of blacksmithing and how you can learn this historic craft.

Once a month starting in March, the Blacksmith Guild of the Potomac will be hammering away.  For more information and Blacksmith Shop dates click here.

For general park information click here, contact the park office at 540-592-3556 or e-mail Sky Meadows State Park.

Sky Meadows State Park is located at 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144-0710.  The park is less than two miles south of Paris, Va., via U.S. Route 50 to Route 17 South; or seven miles north of I-66, Exit 23 on Route 17 North. The park entrance is on State Route 710.

Overnight reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275) or by booking on line.