A blacksmith was an integral part of a community, skilled at the trade and able to provide essential services to the townspeople that ranged from repairing machinery to creating kitchen utensils and oftentimes even shoeing horses. With the passing of time and industrialization, the blacksmith became a dying occupation. Today, historic museums, such as Naper Settlement, have resident blacksmiths who interpret the life and times of the 19th century.

Those who are interested in learning the craft of the blacksmith are invited to register for Blacksmithing 101, being offered on three consecutive Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m. April 12, 19 and 26 at Naper Settlement’s Blacksmith Shop, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. The class is for adults ages 18 and over and is limited to six participants. The instructor is Naper Settlement Museum Educator Ernie Klapmeier.

Session 1 includes the history of blacksmithing, an introduction to tools and the forge, safety, starting the forge and hammer techniques. Session 2 is the continuation of the history, safety and beginning a project to make an iron hook. In Session 3, participants will complete the iron hook project, learn how to maintain the tools and shop, and how to close down the forge.

The fee is $150 per person for the three-session class. Registration is required, call (630) 420-6010.

The past comes to life at Naper Settlement, the only outdoor history museum in Illinois accredited by the American Association of Museums. Located in the heart of downtown Naperville at 523 S. Webster St., Naper Settlement is open year round. For more information, call (630) 420-6010, the Event Hotline at (630) 305-5555 or visit www.napersettlement.museum.