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Events and Programs

Events Calendar

Calendar of Events

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6 events,

We Can Camp!

We Can Camp!

- Event Series

Make & Take: Bird Feeders

- Event Series

Lifecycle of Wool

- Event Series

Free Forest Therapy Experience

- Event Series

Free Forest Therapy Experience

- Event Series

Make & Take: Soap Making

1 event,

- Event Series

Curious By Nature

1 event,

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Annual Meeting

1 event,

- Event Series

Weekday Wanders

0 events,

1 event,

- Event Series

Playtime Meet Up

5 events,

We Can Camp!

We Can Camp!

- Event Series

Woodturning for Beginners

- Event Series

Make & Take: Beaded Bracelets

- Event Series

Make & Take: Soap Making

- Event Series

Wedding of Convenience

6 events,

- Event Series

Woodturning for Beginners

- Event Series

Forest Therapy: Sunday Sessions

- Event Series

Make & Take: Beaded Bracelets

- Event Series

Make & Take: Soap Making

- Event Series

Wedding of Convenience

0 events,

1 event,

- Event Series

Stroller Strides

0 events,

0 events,

3 events,

- Event Series

Heirloom Plant Sale

- Event Series

Spring Heritage Market (Heirloom Plant Sale)

- Event Series

Ladies’ Night Series

5 events,

- Event Series

Heirloom Plant Sale

- Event Series

Make & Take: Beaded Bracelets

- Event Series

Spring Heritage Market (Heirloom Plant Sale)

- Event Series

Make & Take: Soap Making

4 events,

Mother’s Day Brunch

- Event Series

Make & Take: Beaded Bracelets

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Mother’s Day Tea Party

- Event Series

Make & Take: Soap Making

0 events,

2 events,

- Event Series

Stroller Strides

- Event Series

Curious Conversations: Speaker Series

1 event,

- Event Series

Weekday Wanders

1 event,

- Event Series

Read, Rock & Roll!

1 event,

- Event Series

Playtime Meet Up

19 events,

Heritage Breeds Week

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Heritage Tasting Experience

14 events,

- Event Series

Make & Take: Beaded Bracelets

2 events,

- Event Series

Curious By Nature

9 events,

- Event Series

Stroller Strides

- Event Series

Heritage Breeds Week: Creature Feature

8 events,

- Event Series

Heritage Breeds Week: Creature Feature

10 events,

- Event Series

Forest Therapy: Thursday Sessions

- Event Series

Heritage Breeds Week: Creature Feature

8 events,

- Event Series

Heritage Breeds Week: Creature Feature

9 events,

Black Birders Week

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River Crossing Splash Pad Open

- Event Series

Make & Take: Bird Feeders

- Event Series

Weekend Wanders

- Event Series

Weekend Wanders

3 events,

- Event Series

Make & Take: Bird Feeders

- Event Series

Make & Take: Soap Making

3 events,

- Event Series

Make & Take: Bird Feeders

3 events,

- Event Series

Make & Take: Bird Feeders

- Event Series

Stroller Strides

3 events,

- Event Series

Make & Take: Bird Feeders

- Event Series

Weekday Wanders

6 events,

- Event Series

Make & Take: Bird Feeders

- Event Series

Homeschool Days

- Event Series

Owl Pellet Dissection with Indiana Audubon

- Event Series

Owl Pellet Dissection with Indiana Audubon

- Event Series

Sunset Stroll

2 events,

- Event Series

Make & Take: Bird Feeders

4 events,

- Event Series

Make & Take: Bird Feeders

- Event Series

Historic Baseball Game

- Event Series

Make & Take: Soap Making

Blacksmithing: Flint and Steel

January 31 @ 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

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Flint and steel are integral to fire making. As there are many methods to fire starting, the flint Firestarter stands out above the rest.

During this two-hour class, learn how to make a flint and steel Firestarter while also experiencing how to use it to light a primitive fire. You will use a traditional coal-fired forge, gain hammer and anvil experience, and learn how to use a simple bending jig. All tools and materials are provided. Learn more about our historic classes.

This class is for individuals ages 13+. Anyone under the age of 16 must register with an adult. 

Purchase Tickets


All Classes are on Fridays: 

January 17: 10:30 a.m.–Noon
January 17: 1p.m.–2:30 p.m.
January 24: 10:30 a.m.–Noon
January 24: 1 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
January 31: 10:30 a.m.–Noon
January 31: 1 p.m.–2:30 p.m.

Location: Modern Blacksmith Shop, location #37 on map


Members: $30 | Nonmembers: $35 (Price is for each class) 


About the Instructor

Nathan Allen was born and raised in Neosho, Missouri, in the Ozark Mountains. From a young age, I had an interest in history and working with my hands. From the time I was in grade school, I had developed a fascination with hand tools and making things in a traditional manner. By junior high, I rigged up a forge, made my own charcoal and began a lifelong interest in blacksmithing that led to an interest in teaching the craft. By High School Shop, I led a group of students in building a coal forge, hammering out, and finishing blades. 

Nathan earned a degree in historic preservation, with an emphasis in historic site administration from Southeast Missouri State University. Nathan’s professional career began as an intern in the Blacksmith Shop at Conner Prairie the summer of 1995. After graduating, he began working full time at Conner Prairie as the manager of the Historic Trades program. Along with blacksmithing, I am also a woodworker and have spent years teaching classes at Conner Prairie. 

Nathan has had the privilege of working directly with some great blacksmiths, including Melvin Lytton, Hershel House, Peter Ross, Tom Latane, Jim Slining, Steve Miller, Tom Clark and Clifton Ralph. His goal in historic trades is to pursue an uncomplicated approach to forging, stressing good ergonomics, proper hammer control and technique and foundational skills. Through his instruction, he has led many classes at Conner Prairie with the purpose that they can be enjoyed by those with just a passing curiosity for the craft or for those who are more serious in pursuing refinement of their skills.