Note: Please call guest services at (317) 776-6000 for more information about registration.
Register Now for 2021 Classes!
Prairie Pursuits offers how-to classes and workshops geared to adults and teens in a variety of topics from historic trades, to culinary skills, to the arts. View the series schedule for details of subject matter, dates, times, and prices. See something you want to learn more about? Get registered!
Ages 10+ (varies per class)
Spring Classes
Knifesmithing: Making the Hand Forged Knife
This is a 4-week class, beginning Wednesday, May 5th.
Learn the art of hand forging a knife. Topics covered will be steel selection, forging the blade, filing a finishing, heat-treatment and handle selection and fitting. Some hand tools required. Ages 16+
Pottery: Session II
This is a 4-week class, beginning Wednesday, May 12th.
This class will cover all aspects of wheel thrown pottery and glazing techniques. Each student will have access to their own wheel and equipment, while receiving individual instruction from our Conner Prairie potters. This class is adaptable for the beginner to the more advanced student. All clay and materials are included in the class fee. Please bring your own towel for clean up and an optional apron to wear if you like. Ages 14+.
Blacksmithing: Fun at the Forge
Saturday, May 22, 2021
Please note, this is a single-day class.
Be a blacksmith for a day. Learn to heat metal in a coal forge and shape it on an anvil. You will have the opportunity to complete several simple projects such as barbeque skewers, a flint and steel firestarter (with instructions on how to use it) and a dinner bell. All tools and materials will be provided. Ages 14+
Summer Classes
Pottery: Session III
This is a 4-week class, beginning Wednesday, June 16th.
This class will cover all aspects of wheel thrown pottery and glazing techniques. Each student will have access to their own wheel and equipment, while receiving individual instruction from our Conner Prairie potters. This class is adaptable for the beginner to the more advanced student. All clay and materials are included in the class fee. Please bring your own towel for clean up and an optional apron to wear if you like. Ages 14+.
Pottery: Session IV
This is a 4-week class, beginning Wednesday, July 21st.
This class will cover all aspects of wheel thrown pottery and glazing techniques. Each student will have access to their own wheel and equipment, while receiving individual instruction from our Conner Prairie potters. This class is adaptable for the beginner to the more advanced student. All clay and materials are included in the class fee. Please bring your own towel for clean up and an optional apron to wear if you like. Ages 14+.
Autumn Classes
Hearth Cooking: Pickles & Kraut
Saturday, August 14, 2021
Please note, this is a single-day class.
Guests can learn how to pickle with vinegar and with fermentation making dilled green beans, India pickle, sweet & sour pickled pumpkin, fermented carrots, traditional pickles (fermented cucumbers), and/or sauerkraut. This will involve lots of vegetable cutting done by the guests. Ages 12+ Children under 16 must register with an adult.
Blacksmithing: Fun at the Forge
Saturday, September 11, 2021
Please note, this is a single-day class.
Be a blacksmith for a day. Learn to heat metal in a coal forge and shape it on an anvil. You will have the opportunity to complete several simple projects such as barbeque skewers, a flint and steel firestarter (with instructions on how to use it) and a dinner bell. All tools and materials will be provided. Ages 14+
Knifesmithing: Custom Kitchen Knife
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Please note, this is a single-day class.
A well made kitchen knife is a joy to use! In this class, students will be able to design and fashion their own knife. We’ll use reclaimed steel to forge, grind and file to shape a knife. Hardening and tempering and applying and finishing a hardwood handle. All tools and materials will be furnished. Ages 16+
Dovetailing: Sliding Lid Box
Saturday, September 18, 2021
Please note, this is a single-day class.
Hand cut dovetails are not only beautiful, but a mark of craftsmanship. Through the construction of a small sliding lid “candle box” students will learn proper layout and fitting of dovetails using traditional tools. All tools and materials provided. Ages 16+
Hearth Cooking: Pretzels & Mustard
Saturday, October 2, 2021
Please note, this is a single-day class.
Guests will make pretzels using a water-bath over the heart fire and bake them in the cob oven and/or in Dutch ovens. While the pretzels are baking, the mustards (sweet and hot) will be made. Ages 12+, Children under 16 must register with an adult.
Woodworking: Lathe Work
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
Please note, this is a single-day class.
Lathe work is a fun way to add some dimension to your woodworking, or can be a pursuit all of it’s own. Through the execution of a few simple projects, students will learn what to look for in purchasing a lathe, lathe tool selection, use and sharpening, and basic use of the parting tool, skew chisel and gouges. All tools and materials provided. Ages 16+
Pottery: Session V
This is a 4-week class, beginning Wednesday, October 6th.
This class will cover all aspects of wheel thrown pottery and glazing techniques. Each student will have access to their own wheel and equipment, while receiving individual instruction from our Conner Prairie potters. This class is adaptable for the beginner to the more advanced student. All clay and materials are included in the class fee. Please bring your own towel for clean up and an optional apron to wear if you like. Ages 14+.
Basic Blacksmithing
Monday, November 1, 2021
Please note, this is a single-day class.
This class will cover the basics of hand blacksmithing and bench-work techniques. Through a series of simple projects, such as hooks, chain links, cooking utensils and blacksmith tongs, students will learn basic techniques such as tending a fire, drawing out, upsetting, welding, filework and finishing work. All tools/materials provided. Ages 16+
Pottery: Session VI
This is a 4-week class, beginning Wednesday, November 3rd.
This class will cover all aspects of wheel thrown pottery and glazing techniques. Each student will have access to their own wheel and equipment, while receiving individual instruction from our Conner Prairie potters. This class is adaptable for the beginner to the more advanced student. All clay and materials are included in the class fee. Please bring your own towel for clean up and an optional apron to wear if you like. Ages 14+.
Dovetailing: Sliding Lid Box
Wednesday, November 13, 2021
Please note, this is a single-day class.
Hand cut dovetails are not only beautiful, but a mark of craftsmanship. Through the construction of a small sliding lid “candle box” students will learn proper layout and fitting of dovetails using traditional tools. All tools and materials provided. Ages 16+
Blacksmithing: Fun at the Forge
Saturday, November 13, 2021
Please note, this is a single-day class.
Be a blacksmith for a day. Learn to heat metal in a coal forge and shape it on an anvil. You will have the opportunity to complete several simple projects such as barbeque skewers, a flint and steel firestarter (with instructions on how to use it) and a dinner bell. All tools and materials will be provided. Ages 14+