Civil War Lecture: Dr. Paul Quigley- "Smithfield's Civil War"
Dr. Paul Quigley and Virginia Center for Civil War Studies
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
5--6p (including Q&A)
Maximum capacity: 100
We're a long way from Gettysburg and Manassas, but Blacksburg and the surrounding region were deeply embedded in the national stories of the Civil War and emancipation. Learn about the roles the local families played in secession and war, the rocky process of emancipation and resistance to white domination, and the night Union forces passed through Blacksburg.
Lecture Follow-up on November 6: "Truth and Lies about Civil War Colored Regiments in SwVa)
$5.00
Register by emailing info@historicsmithfield.org
Capacities are subject to change with Virginia and regional COVID guidelines.
Blacksmithing Class 105a: Flint Strikers
Participants will hand-forge a functional flint striker. No experience needed.
Experience required None
Difficulty Level Easy to Moderate
Conditions: participants will work around coal smoke and open flame; extreme caution is required. Additional safety information provided after registration. Participants must sign a waver.
Maximum capacity: 5 per class - Face masks requirement as per Town of Blacksburg ordinances.
Sunday, September 26, 2021
10am- 4pm End times vary depending on student progress; instructors available until 4pm.
$90 for Blacksburg residents, $100 for non-residents
Registration throughBlacksburg Parks and Recreation use keyword search Smithfield
Blacksmithing Class 105: Courting Candlestick Holder
Participants will hand forge a decorative courting candle holder. No experience needed.
Experience required None
Difficulty Level Easy to Moderate
Conditions: participants will work around coal smoke and open flame; extreme caution is required. Additional safety information provided after registration. Participants must sign a waver.
Maximum capacity: 5 per class - Face masks requirement as per Town of Blacksburg ordinances.
Sunday, September 12, 2021
10am- 4pm End times vary depending on student progress; instructors available until 4pm.
$90 for Blacksburg residents, $100 for non-residents
Registration throughBlacksburg Parks and Recreation use keyword search Smithfield
The Courting Candlestick was used by a young girl's father when her suitor came courting. When the candle burned down to the metal, courting time was over. If the father liked the fellow, he might set the candle on one of the higher rings, giving them a long visit.
Classes and Lectures at Smithfield
Beginning Basket Weaving
Participants will learn how to construct and weave a basic ribbed grapevine basket. Day 1 includes initial demonstration and instruction with the remainder of class time used to work on baskets. Day 2 is primarily additional time to work on baskets. No experience necessary
Experience required None
Difficulty Level Easy
Maximum capacity: 5 per class - Face masks requirement as per Town of Blacksburg ordinances.
Saturday, October 30 and Sunday, October 31, 2021
10am- 4pm End times vary depending on student progress; instructors available until 4pm.
$75 for Blacksburg residents, $80 for non-residents
Registration through Blacksburg Parks and Recreation use keyword search Smithfield
Late Summer and Fall Schedule 2021
There are many styles of learning. Whatever style you prefer, Smithfield has something for you, from hands-on workshops, to walking tours, lectures and town halls. Our offerings are updated regularly, so be sure to check with us often!
Grapevine Basket.
Blacksmithing Class 101a: J Hooks
Participants will learn the basics of the art of blacksmithing and will learn to forge a J hook. No experience necessary.
Experience required None
Difficulty Level Easy to Moderate
Conditions: participants will work around coal smoke and open flame; extreme caution is required. Additional safety information provided after registration. Participants must sign a waver.
Maximum capacity: 5 per class - Face masks requirement as per Town of Blacksburg ordinances.
Sunday, September 19, 2021
10am- 4pm End times vary depending on student progress; instructors available until 4pm.
$90 for Blacksburg residents, $100 for non-residents
Registration throughBlacksburg Parks and Recreation use keyword search Smithfield