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!
Participants will craft a holder to support a pillar candle. Learn to draw out a point, form stock into a base and form a handle.
Experience required Some experience helpful, but not necessary.
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 - Face masks required. - Participants 16yrs+ - Must wear closed toed shoes
Saturday, March 17, 2021
10am-4pm
$100 for Blacksburg residents, $105 for non-residents
Registration throughBlacksburg Parks and Recreation use keyword search Smithfield
A panel from the Smithfield-Preston Foundation will recap and continue their conversation from September 2020 on Commemoration and Denial: How Slavery and Racism Shape Our World Today. This thought-provoking topic warrants exploration in many contexts. Historic Smithfield is deeply engaged in this work and brings together expertise to research and interpret local history and connect it to our current world. This presentation will also provide time to engage with panelists and address your questions.
Panelists include: Dr. Kerri Moseley Hobbs (SP-F Board of Directors and Department of Education), Dr. Daniel Thorp (SP-F Board of Directors and VT), Dr. Ellington Graves (VT), and Mr. Ryan Spencer (Executive Director).
Friday, March 12, 2021
1:30-3pm
Webinar Offered by Virginia Tech's Lifelong Learning Institute
Participants will learn to weave an old Appalachian style ribbed basket. Class led by Kathy Dulaney from Floyd, VA, a weaver of Old Appalachian style baskets for over 35 years. Participants will begin their baskets on April 10, and have the option to continue their work with guided instruction on April 11.
Experience required None
Difficulty Level Easy
Conditions participants will work in Smithfield's unheated pavilion.
Maximum capacity: 6 - Face masks required.
Saturday, April 10, 2021 (Part One: Start Basket)
1-4pm
Sunday, April 11, 2021 (Optional Part Two: Complete Basket)
1-4pm
$75for Blacksburg residents, $80 for non-residents
Registration throughBlacksburg Parks and Recreation use keyword search Smithfield
Participants will work with Smithfield's master blacksmiths participants will learn the basics of blacksmithing and even produce items that illustrate the the skills they've learned. In this class, and will learn how to forge useful fire pokers.
Experience required None
Difficulty Level Easy
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 - Face masks required. - Participants 16yrs+ - Must wear closed toed shoes
Saturday, March 27, 2021
10am-4pm
$100 for Blacksburg residents, $105 for non-residents
Registration throughBlacksburg Parks and Recreation use keyword search Smithfield
Participants will work with Smithfield's master blacksmiths participants will learn the basics of blacksmithing and even produce items that illustrate the the skills they've learned. In this class, and will learn how to forge and shape metal hooks good for utility or even unique interior decor.
Experience required None
Difficulty Level Easy
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 - Face masks required. - Participants 16yrs+ - Must wear closed toed shoes
Saturday, March 13, 2021
10am-4pm
$100 for Blacksburg residents, $105 for non-residents
Registration throughBlacksburg Parks and Recreation use keyword search Smithfield
Hand forge an 18th century striker for use with flint or quartz for starting campfires. Learn techniques for drawing out steel, shaping and hardening metal to produce sparks.
Experience required Some experience helpful, but not necessary.
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 - Face masks required. - Participants 16yrs+ - Must wear closed toed shoes
Saturday, March 17, 2021
10am-4pm
$100 for Blacksburg residents, $105 for non-residents
Registration throughBlacksburg Parks and Recreation use keyword search Smithfield
Capacities are subject to change with Virginia and regional COVID guidelines.
Join Dr. Kerri Moseley-Hobbs and Dr. Daniel Thorp for a physical walking tour that presents narrative stories in the voices of African Americans enslaved at Smithfield and the facts of the economic business of slavery on site.
Maximum capacity: 25 per section -Facemasks required. -Participants 12yrs+
Experience required None
Difficulty Level Easy
Conditions participants will meet in Smithfield's unheated pavilion and then go on a walking tour over uneven terrain.
Maximum capacity: 25 per class - Face masks required.
Saturday, April 10, 2021
1-2:30pm
or
3-4:30pm
$35 for Blacksburg residents, $40 for non-residents
Registration throughBlacksburg Parks and Recreation use keyword search Smithfield
Participants will learn to weave an old Appalachian style ribbed basket. Class led by Kathy Dulaney from Floyd, VA, a weaver of Old Appalachian style baskets for over 35 years. Participants will begin their baskets on April 10, and have the option to continue their work with guided instruction on April 11.
Experience required None
Difficulty Level Easy
Conditions participants will work in Smithfield's unheated pavilion.
Maximum capacity: 6 - Face masks required.
Saturday, April 10, 2021 (Part One: Start Basket)
1-4pm
Sunday, April 11, 2021 (Optional Part Two: Complete Basket)
1-4pm
$75for Blacksburg residents, $80 for non-residents
Registration throughBlacksburg Parks and Recreation use keyword search Smithfield