INA, Ill. (Oct. 12, 2012) - Rend Lake College and the Jefferson County Historical Society have once again collaborated to bring the community a unique experience at the Jefferson County Historical Village.
Rend Lake College Community and Corporate Education has a limited number of seats available for those interested in learning more about the process of blacksmithing. A blacksmith is a person who forges iron or steel into tools, horseshoes, décor, and many other possibilities.
Blacksmith Basics will be held 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 20 in Mt. Vernon at the Jefferson County Historical Village, Blacksmith Shop. The registration fee is $35. A $5 supply fee is payable to the instructor at the beginning of class.
Instructor Wilbur Haley will show students more about this historical craft. Participants will see how an old-fashioned coal fire is built in a forge. Students will have hands-on experience transforming metal.
Artistic Blacksmith-Advanced will be held 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27 in Mt. Vernon at the Jefferson County Historical Village, Blacksmith Shop. The registration fee is $35 and there is a $5 supply fee payable to the instructor at the beginning of class.
This course will cover more advanced areas such as bending, twisting, upsetting, splitting, riveting, and raising of steel, iron and non-ferrous metals.
Both courses are for ages 14 and up (students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). Those attending should wear long pants, closed toe shoes, and should bring safety goggles and gloves.
For more information or to register call RLC Community and Corporate Education at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1267 or 1714 or toll-free at 800-369-5321, Ext. 1267 or 1714. Make contact by e-mail at CommCorpEd@rlc.edu.