Saturday, April 6, 2024

Gears on one of the twenty-five machines at the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop.

At its core, the Hammer-In Festival at the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop is a celebration of blacksmithing. Artisans transform steel into artworks with the swing of their hammers. Throughout the years, the event has expanded to become a showcase for all of the different activities that happen at this National Historic Landmark in Greene County. For this week's featured article, contributing writer Lynne Squilla shares a look at the festival's origins and evolution. Read on, as you won't want to miss this free, family-friendly event!

Let the Hammer-In be your inspiration, then try blacksmithing for yourself during the upcoming Blacksmithing Basics: Hooks and Hairpins make-and-take workshop.

If blacksmithing is not your thing, the first Photo Safari of the season at the Carrie Blast Furnaces is on April 14, followed by The Doodle Bowl Experience on April 25. Don't delay—these two workshops are among our most popular!

Beyond our workshops, there are always more things to do in the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. Check out Clay Pittsburgh's inaugural Pittsburgh Potters Tour and the Love Algorithm event at the McKeesport Regional History & Heritage Center.

A blacksmithing demonstration at the Hammer-In.

FEATURED ARTICLE

The Annual Hammer-In Festival

The Hammer-In Festival, as an event, predates Rivers of Steel. Like blacksmithing itself, it's a tradition that's been handed down. And while the co-hosts have changed throughout the years, it's always been a collaboration of passionate partners and advocates for the W.A. Young & Sons Foundry and Machine Shop. Learn more about this storied event—and what's new for 2024!

Photo courtesy of Adam Piscitelli / Primetime Shots.

PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION

Photo Safari

Sunday, April 14, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces

Choose your own adventure on this photo safari! The Carrie Blast Furnaces are undoubtedly a photographer’s muse. The form and texture of the structures cater to seasonal scenes, and the interplay of light offers endless perspectives of this industrial edifice. Take inspiration from the wide vistas or the delicate details at this National Historic Landmark. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to photograph Carrie with only a few other photographers around!

BLACKSMITHING WORKSHOP

Blacksmithing Basics: Hooks and Hairpins

Sunday, April 21, 2024, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces

Forget what you think you might know about blacksmithing—as a practice, it is easy and fun for anyone to get started. You don't need a Forged in Fire pedigree or a Popeye-sized bicep. Get started today with a Hooks and Hairpins workshop.

ALUMINUM CASTING WORKSHOP

The Doodle Bowl Experience

Thursday, April 25, 2024, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces

Not your typical “sip and paint” party, this workshop has quickly become one of Rivers of Steel’s most in-demand programs. With guidance from Rivers of Steel’s metal arts team, you’ll design and carve a bowl that is cast in solid aluminum. Take home your new, functional work of art at the end of the night. No experience is needed—just bring your creativity, a friend, and your own beverage.

THINGS TO DO IN THE NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA

Support Rivers of Steel's work in communities throughout the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. Your tax-deductible contribution will help champion community collaborations and ensure that Rivers of Steel can continue to offer vital, engaging, community-based arts, education, and heritage programs for the residents of southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond.

STAY CONNECTED

Catch up with Rivers of Steel!

Read our most recent newsletter or prior updates.