It’s been a while since my last post, but I continue to get requests to do programs from various museums, which are great opportunities to research specific historical silver/metalsmithing topics and makers. It is indeed gratifying to be able to pass on what I have been fortunate to learn of the nearly lost art and have many interesting conversations with folks of all ages and areas of knowledge.
On Saturday, Feb 25th from 1-2:30, I will be giving a talk and demonstrating at the Museum of Industrial Heritage located at 2 Mead Street in Greenfield, Mass. This program is part of the Smithsonian exhibit titled Museum on Main Street “Crossroads: Change in Rural America” presented in conjunction with Mass Humanities.
I will be focusing on the story of the first tradesmen/artisans who came to the Greenfield area in the latter 18th Century, which eventually led to the emergence of the great metal industries of the region. We will also discuss and demonstrate the tools and techniques of these early makers.
Also, on Saturday, June 3rd from 10-4, I will be doing my semiannual silversmithing demonstration at the Historic Deerfield colonial silversmith shop. It’s always a pleasure to step into the past in this historically accurate shop. It always feels as though Paul Revere might have just stepped out the back door.