Saturday, January 11, 2025

A video preview for our blacksmithing workshops.

The new year is a great time to set new intentions, and we recommend making a resolution to get crafty this year. Creative experiences not only provide relaxation; they inspire new ideas!

Get started today by registering for one of our brand new blacksmithing workshops. The Forged Coat Racks workshop is designed for intermediate smiths, while Custom Cuffs is designed for anyone trying the practice for the first time—or folks just looking to forge some wearable art!

Our upcoming Hands-On Bridges program at the Carnegie Free Library in Beaver Falls offers an opportunity for youth to craft model bridges while learning basic engineering principles.

Of course, many of our community partners have incredible creative programs available in 2025. We recommend checking out Touchstone Center for Crafts' immersive workshops; and for the kids, look into Saturday Crafternoons with Assemble!

For those looking to craft an unforgettable experience in 2025, now's a good time to check out Rivers of Steel's event spaces. Consider the Carrie Blast Furnaces or the Pump House for your special event or team-building gathering.

FEATURED WORKSHOP

Forged Coat Racks

Saturday, February 1, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces

This two-day, intermediate-level workshop is an excellent way to continue exploring the forging process. Work with hot steel to create your own custom coat rack, and in the process you’ll hone your hook-making techniques and learn new skills in punching, bending, riveting, and more. At the end of the workshop, you'll leave with a sturdy, handmade coat rack of your own design ready for use at home or in the office. Some prior experience with forging is recommended.

METAL ARTS WORKSHOP

Custom Cuffs

Thursday, February 13, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., Carrie Blast Furnaces

This three-hour introductory workshop is a great way to explore the art of blacksmithing and create wearable art! Learn the basics of forging steel, and use essential blacksmithing tools to create a steel cuff-style arm band of your own design to take home. No experience is needed.

COMMUNITY PROGRAM

Hands-On Bridges

Thursday, January 23, 4:00 p.m., Carnegie Free Library, Beaver Falls

Join Rivers of Steel's educators at the Carnegie Free Library in Beaver Falls for a hands-on experience for all ages. Observation, playful exploration, and guided discussion help families discover basic engineering principles while examining the details and designs of some of Pittsburgh’s most prominent bridges and their connections to the region's steel industry. Children compare various types of bridge structures, consider the durability of their construction materials, and participate in shared learning experiences, including model bridge building. 

FEATURE

Event Spaces

Rivers of Steel is home to several unique local attractions, including the Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark, the historic Pump House at the Waterfront, and the Bost Building National Historic Landmark. Each of these spaces offers opportunities for private clients to host custom events at venues with authentic character—locations that highlight the artistry and innovation of this region’s rich industrial and cultural heritage.

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.

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