MOUNT VERNON, Ill. - Rend Lake College and the Jefferson County Historical Society have once again collaborated to bring the community two unique experiences at the Jefferson County Historical Village - Blacksmith Basics and Mountain Dulcimer for Beginners.
Blacksmith Basics will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, April 20, in the Blacksmith Shop. Participants can learn the process of blacksmithing from an expert. A blacksmith is a person who forges iron or steel into tools, horseshoes, décor, and many other possibilities. 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. The registration fee is $35. A $5 supply fee is payable to the instructor at the beginning of class. Participants should wear long sleeves, long pants, close-toed shoes, and gloves and should bring safety glasses and a lunch.
Mountain Dulcimer for Beginners will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 26 through April 4, in the Village Museum. Participants will learn how to play the American Folk instrument, the dulcimer. The dulcimer isan instrument with a long rounded body and a fretted fingerboard. Instructor Libby Wilson will show students the proper finger placement, strum patterns, and basic chords for the dulcimer. The registration fee is $40. A $12 supply fee is payable to the instructor the first night of the class to cover the cost of the instruction book. Bring your own dulcimer or borrow one for use during the class.
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.