Our Classes

Choose a class or workshop below to reserve your spot in the immersive learning experiences offered for everyone at Hagood Mill Historic Site.

Featured Classes & Workshops

Search Classes Below for Upcoming Days and Times

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Classes and Workshops

Blacksmithing

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Blacksmith

Junior Blacksmithing

$120

/ 5 hours

In this 1-day introduction to blacksmithing class students will learn the basic working knowledge of blacksmithing with historical demonstrator Kevin Thompson of Electric City Forge. Students will have the opportunity to make items such as simple s-hooks and wall hooks.

Students will learn the five basic techniques of blacksmithing which includes the drawing out, tapering, bending, scrolling and twisting of steel, in addition to basic finishing techniques.

Students will also learn about safety in the blacksmith shop, history of the craft of blacksmithing, the fuel and materials used in blacksmithing, and how to build, maintain and use a coal fire.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

For ages 11-17 ONLY. Please dress appropriately with closed toed shoes, long pants and a long sleeved shirt. Students will need to provide their own eye protection. Bring a water bottle. Lunch will be from 12-1. A parent or guardian will need to be onsite at that time as the instructor will not be with them at that time.

Instruction is for 5 hours between 9-12 and 1-3.

Min-
Max- 6

Blacksmith

Blacksmithing 101

120

/ 6 hours

In this introduction to blacksmithing class students will learn the basic working knowledge of blacksmithing with historical demonstrator Kevin Thompson of Electric City Forge. Students will have the opportunity to make items such as simple s-hooks and wall hooks.

Students will learn the five basic techniques of blacksmithing which includes the drawing out, tapering, bending, scrolling and twisting of steel, in addition to basic finishing techniques.

Students will also learn about safety in the blacksmith shop, history of the craft of blacksmithing, the fuel and materials used in blacksmithing, and how to build, maintain and use a coal fire.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

Please dress appropriately with closed toed shoes, long pants and a long sleeved shirt. Students will need to bring their own eye protection. Bring a water bottle.

Instruction is for 6 hours between 9-12 and 1-4.

Min- 4
Max- 6

Blacksmith

Blacksmithing 102

$135

/ 7 hours

Prior students will be able to add to their blacksmithing knowledge and abilities by attending this 102 class. After a brief recap of what was covered in the previous class, we’ll move on to a group of additional techniques.

These will be upsetting, fullering, hot punching, riveting, and shaping. We’ll also talk more in-depth about the peen of the cross peen hammer. You’ll learn how to properly use this vital part of the hammer to spread, stretch, shape, and texture steel.

Other tools that will be introduced are fullers, fullering punches, swage and rivet blocks, and a hand-cranked drill press.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

Students must have attended Blacksmithing 101, or have prior metalworking experience. Please dress appropriately in closed-toed shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Students will need to bring their own eye protection. Bring a water bottle. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Instruction is for 7 hours from 9-12 and 1-5.

Min- 2
Max- 4

Blacksmith

Blacksmithing 103

$140

/ 7 hours

Students will learn the five basic techniques of blacksmithing which includes the drawing out, tapering, bending, scrolling and twisting of steel, in addition to basic finishing techniques.

Students will also learn about safety in the blacksmith shop, history of the craft of blacksmithing, the fuel and materials used in blacksmithing, and how to build, maintain and use a coal fire.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

Students must have attended Blacksmithing 101 and 102 or have prior metalworking experience.

Instruction is for 7 hours between 9-12 and 1-5.

Min- 2
Max- 4

Intro to Knife-Making

Blacksmithing 104

150

/ 7 hours

Students will learn the five basic techniques of blacksmithing which includes the drawing out, tapering, bending, scrolling and twisting of steel, in addition to basic finishing techniques.

Students will also learn about safety in the blacksmith shop, history of the craft of blacksmithing, the fuel and materials used in blacksmithing, and how to build, maintain and use a coal fire.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

Though not required, it is recommended that students take a minimum of Blacksmithing 101prior to the basic knife-making class. This will help students to better understand the shop setup, coal fire management, forge operation, and working heated steel, prior to attempting a knife.

Instruction is for 7 hours between 9-12 and 1-5.

Min- 2

Max- 4

Intro to Forge-welding

Blacksmithing 105

$150

/ 7 hours

Other tools that will be introduced are fullers, fullering punches, swage and rivet blocks, and a hand-cranked drill press.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

As with any type of welding, safety is of the utmost importance. Students MUST wear long pants, a removable long sleeve cotton shirt, solid leather gloves, and bring safety glasses. We also encourage you to bring a water bottle.

Instruction is for 7 hours from 9-12 and 1-5. We have scheduled a one-hour lunch break so that students will have the opportunity to explore the site. Lunch is not provided, please bring your own. Please arrive at 8:45 to sign a liability waiver.

Min- 2
Max- 4

Blacksmith

Blacksmithing Tripod

$175

/ 7 hours

This is a very basic class and not prior experience is required. Please dress appropriately in closed-toed shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.

Students will need to bring their own eye protection. Bring a water bottle. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, although the adult is not required to be a paying student.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

Students must have attended Blacksmithing 101 and 102 or have prior metalworking experience.

Instruction is for 7 hours between 9-12 and 1-5.

Min- 2
Max- 4

Making Monsters

Halloween Blacksmithing

$120

/ 7 hours

Ready for Halloween? Have an interest in Blacksmithing? If you answer yes to these questions, come take one of our Halloween Blacksmithing classes.

This is a fun and whimsical class in which students will forge their own Halloween monster.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

No prior blacksmithing required. Please dress appropriately in closed-toed shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Students will need to bring their own eye protection. Bring a water bottle. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, although the adult is not required to be a paying student.

Instruction is for 7 hours between 9-12 and 1-5. We have scheduled a one-hour lunch break so that students will have the opportunity to explore the site. Lunch is not provided, please bring your own.

Min- 2
Max- 4

Blacksmith

Blacksmith & Leather Jewelry

$150

/ 6 hours

In this beginner friendly class, students will make 2 blacksmith pendants and will use kangaroo leather and macrame knotting techniques to make the pendants wearable as necklaces.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

No prior blacksmithing is required. Please dress appropriately in closed-toed shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Students will need to bring their own eye protection. Bring a water bottle. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, although the adult is not required to be a paying student.

Instruction is for 6 hours from 9-12 and 1-4.

Min- 4
Max- 6

Classes and Workshops

Woodworking

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Woodworking

Spoon Carving

$125

/ 7 hours

In this class, you will learn the craft of making your own kitchen utensils. The class will take you from a log to a finished utensil.

Explore using hand tools such as a froe, axe, drawknife, shave horse, and hook knife to complete your project. We will cover wood species and shapes that are desirable, techniques for carving safely, tool selection and sources, design, and finishes.

Beware, once you make one you may not be able to stop!

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

Students must have attended Blacksmithing 101 and 102 or have prior metalworking experience.

Instruction is for 7 hours between 9-12 and 1-5.

Min- 2
Max- 4

Woodworking

Wooden Whisk & Spreader

$150

/ 6 hours

In this class, you will learn to make useful kitchen utensils from the woods. We will make a whisk that may be used to mix liquid ingredients and a spreader that may be used to spread butter.

The whisk is made from the stem and branches of a tree and the spreader is made from a section of log. We will take a woods walk to discuss tree species that may be used and may source our material during this time.

This class will give you the chance to learn to use an axe, carving knife, drawknife, and shave horse. These will make a unique statement in your kitchen.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

Traditional woodworking does require hand strength and a fair amount of physical activity. Classes are available for all skill levels and reasonable accommodations will be made when needed. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Please dress appropriately with closed-toed shoes and sturdy clothing. Bring safety glasses, gloves, and a water bottle.

The class is from 9am - 4pm with a one-hour lunch break. Lunch is not provided, please bring your own.

Min- 4
Max- 5

Woodworking

Mountain Flowers & Bark Vase

$100

/ 7 hours

In this class, you will learn to make flowers that never die and a rustic vase to display your unique creation. The mountain flowers start with a stick that when carefully shaved create the full shape of a flower in bloom.

A vase will be made from a small log from which the bark will be carefully removed and used to create a container to display your bouquet of mountain flowers.

Join us as we walk through the woods to source our materials. This a fun class that is as unique as our Appalachian area.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

The class is from 9am - 4pm with a one-hour lunch break. Lunch is not provided, please bring your own.

Min- 4
Max- 5

Woodworking

Three Legged Stool

$200

/ 7 hours

In this class, you will make a traditional mountain stool using only hand tools. Your stool making adventure will begin with a log and end with a rustic stool like the ones early settlers would have used in their cabins.

We will split the legs from a log and use an axe and drawknife to size and shape them. Once the seat is shaped and bored, we will assemble your stool without glue or metal fasteners.

We will cover the types of materials that may be used, as well as the different designs and techniques. The class will allow you to learn to use the froe, axe, drawknife, brace and auger, and handsaw.

You will leave with a completed stool that may give you a small window into the life of an Appalachian settler.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

The class is from 9am - 4pm with a one-hour lunch break. Lunch is not provided, please bring your own.

Min- 4
Max- 5

Woodworking

Shave Horse

$400

/ 14 hours

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A TWO-DAY CLASS.

Many early settlers made most of the furnishings and tools for their homes from the forests where they made their homes. They needed shingles, logs for their home, a place to sit, a container for water, an archery bow, or countless other things.

Many of these items were made efficiently with simple tools by employing simple methods to hold their work. The shave horse is a simple device used to clamp a piece of wood to shape it with a drawknife or spokeshave.

In this two-day class, students will explore the different styles of shave horses, their many uses, and how to make the parts and assembly. We will build an English style shave horse by riving wood for the legs, pegs and head assembly.

A rough sawn plank will be provided for the bench seat. Learn to use a variety of hand tools and techniques while making a tool to further your exploration of the craft.

This simple device will allow you to access a nearly forgotten portion of the woodworking realm and take you on journey in the well-worn footsteps of the mountain people.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

The class is from 9am - 4pm with a one-hour lunch break each day. Lunch is not provided, please bring your own. 2 days

Min- 4
Max- 5

Handcarfted Toys

Your Dream Creative Toys Product Is Here

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Creative Idea

Quality Check

Classes and Workshops

Hearth Cooking

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Hearth Cooking

Stir the Pot Stew

$70

/ 5 hours

In this class, participants will learn about fire preparation, the tools used, and then will help each other to make a soup or stew, Appalachian hoe cakes, and apple fritters.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

Wear long pants made of natural fibers and closed toe shoes.

The class is from 9am - 2pm

Min-
Max- 6

Woodworking

Chicken on a Stick

$70

/ 5 hours

In this class, participants will roast a whole chicken, bake cornbread in a Dutch oven, roast potatoes, and bake cookies in a Dutch oven.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

Previous hearth cooking experience not required, but recommended.

The class is from 9am - 2pm

Min- 3
Max- 6

Classes and Workshops

Chair Seat Weaving

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Chair Wewaving

Chair Seat Weaving

$40

/ 5 hours

In this workshop, students will be able to weave a new seat onto a chair. Students will be working with rattan, a common substitute for traditional Appalachian white oak splits, hickory bark, or poplar bark.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

Participants will need to bring your chair tor pay an additional $10 for a chair.

The class is from 9am - 2pm

Min-
Max- 6

Classes and Workshops

Gardening

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Gardening

Traditional Gardening Basics

$80

/ 4 hours

Learn the methods of growing vegetables in a traditional garden.

In this two day course, you will learn about the traditional and simple in-ground garden bed and all you need to know to plant and grow a healthy garden.

Topics will include but not be limited to: what types of supplies are needed, types of soil, watering and feeding your plants, pruning, mulching and companion planting.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

Whether you are a novice or have a little experience in the garden, join us to learn how you can make the most of a vegetable garden for you and your family.

The class is from 9am - 11am
(2) Days

Min- 1
Max- 8

Gardening

Beginner Fall Gardening

$80

/ 4 hours

In this two-day course, you will learn how to plant and grow a healthy fall garden by understanding how to set up the traditional and simple in-ground and raised bed garden.

Topics will include but not be limited to what types of supplies are needed, types of soil, watering and feeding your plants, pruning, mulching and companion planting.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

Whether you are a novice or have a little experience in the garden, join us to learn how you can make the most of a vegetable garden for you and your family.

The class is from 9am - 11am
(2) Days

Min- 1
Max- 8

Classes and Workshops

Canning

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Canning

Canning Basics

$90

/ 4 hours

In this class, students will learn the basics of canning including an introduction to the equipment, the sterilization process, how to prepare the fruit, and the water bath method of canning.

Each student will take home a low sugar/natural pectin preserve made from fruit in season.

Requirements
Duration
Min/Max

None

The class is from 10am - 2pm

Min- 1
Max- 6

Our Classes

Search Classes Below for Upcoming Days and Times

Blacksmithing

Junior Blacksmithing

$120

/ 5 hours

Blacksmithing 101

120

/ 6 hours

Blacksmithing 102

$135

/ 7 hours

Blacksmithing 103

$140

/ 7 hours

Blacksmithing 104

150

/ 7 hours

Blacksmithing 105

$150

/ 7 hours

Blacksmithing Tripod

$175

/ 7 hours

Halloween Blacksmithing

$120

/ 7 hours

Blacksmith & Leather Jewelry

$150

/ 6 hours

Woodworking

Spoon Carving

$125

/ 7 hours

Wooden Whisk & Spreader

$150

/ 6 hours

Mountain Flowers & Bark Vase

$100

/ 7 hours

Three Legged Stool

$200

/ 7 hours

Shave Horse

$400

/ 14 hours

Your Dream Creative Toys Product Is Here

Hearth Cooking

Stir the Pot Stew

$70

/ 5 hours

Chicken on a Stick

$70

/ 5 hours

Chair Seat Weaving

Chair Seat Weaving

$40

/ 5 hours

Gardening

Traditional Gardening Basics

$80

/ 4 hours

Beginner Fall Gardening

$80

/ 4 hours

Canning

Canning Basics

$90

/ 4 hours

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