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Historic Skills Classes offer how-to classes and workshops geared to adults and teens in a variety of topics from historic trades. Explore details about our classes below. See something you want to learn more about? Get registered!
Ages 10+ (varies per class)
Please call guest services at (317) 776-6000 for more information about registration.
View all Classes
Historic Skills:
- Basic Blacksmithing
- Basic Tinsmithing: Punched Candle Holder
- Blacksmithing: One-Piece Knife
- Fun in the Forge
- Hand Cut Dovetails
- Hand Tool Fundamentals
- How Embroidery Makes A Home: Ten More Stitches
- Intro to Pottery: Decorative Hand Built Bowls
- Painted Canvas for the Home
- Shaker Side Table
- Timberframing: Building a Garden Shed
- Wheel Thrown Pottery
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Discover the timeless art of blacksmithing in this immersive, hands-on workshop where history meets innovation. Working with traditional coal-fired forges, hammers, and anvils, you’ll learn the foundational techniques of shaping and tempering metal.
Under expert instruction, you’ll create a series of functional pieces — from S-hooks and wall hooks to a flint striker, cold chisel, fireplace poker, cooking fork, and a candle holder — while mastering essential skills like drawing out, punching, bending, riveting, welding, and hardening.
Whether you’re a beginner seeking new experiences or wanting to explore the essentials of historic craftsmanship, this class offers a chance to step into the forge and bring history to life.
Dates: This workshop is part of a five-class series that meets every Monday beginning January 26, and February 2, 9, 10, and 23).
Price: $255 Members / $285 Non-Members
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Discover the historic charm of traditional tinsmithing in this creative, hands-on class that’s perfect for beginners and families alike. Using simple tools and sheet tin, you’ll craft your own punched candle holder — a functional piece of history that doubles as a beautiful keepsake. A great introduction into the art of metalworking, each session features a seasonal design (Valentine’s Day in February, Halloween in September, and a winter-inspired theme in December). Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll learn classic tinworking techniques while connecting to a craft that lit homes and hearths for centuries. All tools and materials are provided — just bring your creativity and leave with a finished piece that will shine in your home for years to come.
Dates:
February 10, 2026, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
September 17, 2026, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
December 5, 2026, 9 a.m.–NoonPrice: $40 Members / $45 Nonmembers
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In this two-session workshop, you’ll transform raw steel into a hand-forged knife. Under expert guidance, you’ll learn essential blacksmithing skills as you heat, hammer, shape, and finish a knife with a decorative handle, all from a single piece of upcycled steel. Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on experience using the forge, anvil, files, and grinders while learning the fundamentals of heat treatment and blade finishing.
This workshop offers a rare opportunity to connect with traditional craftsmanship and walk away with a functional, heirloom-quality piece. All tools and materials are included.
Dates:
January 14 and 21, 2026, 1–4 p.m.
April 15 and 22, 2026, 6–9 p.m.
November 9 and 16, 2026, 6–9 p.m.Price: $115 Members / $125 Nonmembers
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Spend a day in the blacksmith’s shop and experience the thrill of forging! Guided by skilled instructors, you’ll use a traditional coal forge and anvil to create a variety of simple but satisfying projects, such as wall hooks, BBQ skewers, flint and steel sets, and a dinner bell.
With all tools and materials provided, this workshop is perfect for curious beginners, hands-on learners, and anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind historical experience.
Dates:
February 7, 2026, 9:30 a.m.– 4 p.m.
March 7, 2026, 9:30 a.m.– 4 p.m.
May 9, 2026, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
October 24, 2026, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
November 21, 2026, 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.Price: $100 Members / $110 Nonmembers
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The dovetail was a hallmark of early American furniture and remains a benchmark of quality craftsmanship today. Form meets function as this woodworking process was originally a utilitarian method for joining boards together and hidden in finer works.
In this two-day course, you’ll learn — through an easy layout process — how to assemble dovetail joints using a saw, chisel, and plane, all while gaining confidence with hand tools along the way. By the end, you’ll have created your own hand-crafted candle box with a sliding lid, a classic household item found in early American homes.
This workshop is the perfect introduction to precision joinery and the timeless art of woodworking. All tools and materials are included.
Dates: May 30–31, 2026
Price: $180 Members / $200 Nonmembers
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Hand tool woodworking is a satisfying way to connect more directly with our past and the materials that shape daily life. In this one-day foundational class, you’ll learn how to select, tune, and use classic hand tools — including saws, planes, brace and bit, layout tools, and chisels — while constructing a simple, functional “staked” stool.
Along the way, you’ll gain the skills to tackle future woodworking projects with confidence. This workshop is ideal for beginners and anyone interested in connecting with the materials and methods that shaped early American craftsmanship. All tools and materials are provided.
Date: February 28, 2026
Price: $105 Members / $115 Nonmembers
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Take your needlework skills to the next level with this creative, hands-on embroidery workshop. Whether you’re building on previous experience or starting fresh, you’ll learn ten new stitches to expand your repertoire — perfect for mending, embellishing clothing, or creating works of textile art.
Alongside expert instruction, you’ll discover how embroidery was used historically to tell stories, add beauty to the home, and personalize garments in meaningful ways.
Participants will go home with a partially completed project, a hoop, needle, a selection of embroidery threads, and a detailed guide covering all the stitches learned in class. This workshop is an inspiring way to connect with the past while creating something beautiful and building skills for the future.
Date: June 27, 2026
Price: $60 Members / $65 Nonmembers
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Discover the joy of creating something beautiful and functional in this beginner-friendly ceramics workshop. This two-hour class introduces you to hand-building techniques — no pottery wheel required.
Using only your hands and simple tools, you’ll learn how to form, shape, and coil clay into a one-of-a-kind decorative bowl. Choose the color of your glaze after your bowl is complete, and our potters will fire your piece for you, ready for pickup about four weeks after the class.
Whether you’re planning a fun day out with a friend, a parent-child creative experience, or a solo project, this class offers an accessible and enjoyable way to step into the world of ceramics. All tools and materials are provided — just bring your curiosity, wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy, and grab your own towel for cleanup.
Dates: March 25, June 13, July 11, or September 15, 2026
Price: $40 Members / $45 Nonmembers
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In the nineteenth century, canvas floor cloths were once used to protect wooden floors in a hallway, under a dining table, or even under a chamber pot. We will learn from these historical designs and use acrylic paints to create a smaller piece. Choose from projects like a table runner, a table mat, or even a portable checkerboard.
Date: November 15, 2025
Price: $125 Members / $140 Nonmembers
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Build a timeless piece inspired by the elegance of Shaker design. Shaker craftspeople were ahead of their time in the 19th century, embodying humility and integrity while embracing technical creativity. The furniture they made and sold almost two centuries ago is still popular today, and blends comfortably with a wide range of tastes.
Over two days, you’ll construct a small side table using locally sourced poplar and traditional joinery. Some components are prepped in advance so you can concentrate on precise layout and confident hand-tool skills.
Dates: October 10 and 11, 2026, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Price: $225 Members / $250 Nonmembers
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During this two-day class, participants will learn basic tool use (using corner chisels, slicks, and boring machines), layout strategy, and
joinery. Together, class participants will use their new skills to connect the timbers together and create a small garden shed.
Dates: November 15 and 16, 2025
Price: $225 Members / $250 Nonmembers
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Discover the basics of wheel thrown pottery and get your creativity flowing as you learn the fundamentals of pottery. In this four-session workshop, you’ll practice shaping, throwing, and refining clay pieces under the guidance of expert instructors. Whether you’re a beginner or building on existing skills, you’ll leave with beautiful handmade creations and the confidence to keep throwing on your own. All materials are provided — just bring a towel. The date for which you register is the first meeting of this class.
Dates:
Afternoon
Series #1: February 12 through March 5, 2026, 1–2:30 p.m.
Series #2: November 11 through December 2, 2026, 1–2:30 p.m.
Evening
Series #1: Nov 18 through Dec 9, 2026, 6–7:30 p.m.
Price: $160 Members / $175 Nonmembers
Foodways:
- Capturing Yeast & Baking Bread
- Cookie Cutters and Cookies
- Cooking at the Hearth
- The Federalist Forager
- Hearth Cooking: Vegetarian Cuisine
- The Mystery and Science of Biscuits & Butter Making
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Step back in time and rediscover one of the oldest culinary arts: breadmaking from scratch. In this immersive, day-long workshop, you’ll learn how to capture and cultivate your own yeast, and transform it into delicious, fresh-baked loaves. Outdoor ovens are commonly attributed to making pizza and are designed as “pizza ovens,” but you can do so much more! With guidance from Conner Prairie’s expert foodways team, you’ll step out of the kitchen and at Conner Prairie’s outdoor cob oven to learn about making and keeping your own yeast. We will guide you on how to prepare and bake bread, experiencing firsthand the sights, smells, and flavors of historic hearth cooking.
Participants will leave with a jar of their own starter to continue baking at home, a collection of recipes, and even a loaf of bread (if you don’t eat it first!). This class offers a rich blend of tradition, technique, and taste that you’ll remember every time you break bread.
Date: September 19, 2026, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Price: $110 Members / $120 Nonmembers
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Craft, bake, and taste history in this unique, hands-on class that blends traditional trades with culinary creativity. Begin in the Modern Trades Shop, where you’ll learn the basics of tinsmithing while crafting your very own custom cookie cutter.
Then, head over to the Golden Eagle Inn’s kitchen to put it to work, shaping and baking delicious cookies right at the hearth. Along the way, you’ll explore historic baking methods and leave with a bag of cookies, your handmade cutter, and a collection of authentic cookie recipes to try at home. This class is perfect for history lovers, foodies, or families looking for creative experiences.
Date: November 13, 2026, 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Price: $25 Members / $30 Nonmembers
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Embark on a culinary journey in the historic William Conner House and prepare a meal the 19th-century way — over an open fire. In this immersive, day-long workshop, you’ll join hearth cooking expert Sarah Withrow to explore traditional cooking techniques, blending historic methods with contemporary recipes.
Over seven hours, you’ll help prepare a full meal from start to finish with one of the most experienced hearthside cooks around.
Participants will leave with a recipe packet for continued exploration at home — whether or not they have a hearth of their own — and the joys of creating a shared meal together. More than just a cooking class, this workshop is a sensory journey into the daily life of the past.
Date: October 24, 2026, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Price: $125 Members / $140 Nonmembers
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In the spring of 1776, the American colonies were engaged in a war against the British, fighting for independence and the formation of a whole new existence. We will look at how war impacted not only the established systems of governance, but also the existence of citizens and soldiers in 1776, and how foraging supplemented their daily lives.
You will experience a foraging trek and tasting samples inspired by 18th-century foodways.
Date: March 14, 2026, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Price: $30 Members / $33 Nonmembers
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Long before modern food movements promoted a plant-based lifestyle, people were experimenting with vegetarian cuisine. This immersive workshop invites you to step back into that culinary history.
Drawing inspiration from the book Vegetable Cookery, with an introduction, recommending abstinence from animal food and intoxicating liquors / By a lady (1833) and other historical sources, this class explores early vegetarian recipes and philosophies through hands-on hearth cooking.
Work alongside Conner Prairie’s expert cooks to prepare delicious, vegetarian dishes over an open fire, learning traditional techniques and uncovering the cultural context behind them. While many of these dishes and ideas would not be vegetarian by today’s standards, we will prepare truly vegetarian dishes in this class.
Participants will leave with a folder of recipes to recreate at home. This class is a flavorful, educational, and entirely unique cooking experience for anyone curious about food history or looking to expand their kitchen repertoire.
Date: May 2, 2026, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Price: $110 Members / $120 Nonmembers
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In this class, we will turn two humble kitchen staples into a delicious lesson in culinary discovery. Starting with fresh cream, you will experience its transformation into butter and buttermilk. We will then make golden, fluffy biscuits from scratch.
Along the way, you’ll uncover the science behind the cream’s process and transformation to butter, spend time cooking in one of Conner Prairie’s historic kitchens, and leave with recipes to master at home.
Date: May 16, 2026, 10 a.m.–Noon
Price: $60 Members / $65 Nonmembers
Agriculture:
- Raising Poultry
- All About Oxen
- Making a Home: Seed Saving
- Raising Sheep and Goats
- We Can Fish
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Have you ever wanted to raise poultry, but weren’t sure where to start? Do you wonder what it takes to raise chickens or ducks? If so, then this class is for you! Join Conner Prairie’s Ag Staff as we discuss everything you need to know about raising a small flock of poultry. This interactive class will provide participants with hands-on experience working with Conner Prairie’s friendly flock, while covering topics such as handling, housing, egg science, and nutrition.
Dates: November 15, 2025
Price: $77 Members / $85 Nonmembers
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Step into the story of America’s agricultural past by spending a day with one of its most essential farm partners — the ox. In this hands-on, outdoor workshop (rain or shine), Conner Prairie’s agriculture team will guide you through the fascinating world of oxen, from their historic role as draft animals to the modern techniques of training and care. You’ll learn how to select, harness, and work with these powerful animals and then try your hand at driving a team of heritage breed Randall Lineback or English Longhorn oxen yourself. This immersive experience is perfect for animal enthusiasts or anyone curious about traditional farming practices. You will leave with new skills, deeper knowledge, and a unique appreciation for the strength and intelligence of these remarkable animals.
Date: November 7, 2026, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Price: $90 Members / $100 Nonmembers | Ages 14+ (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
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For thousands of years, our ancestors perfected the practice of saving seeds for food sustainability.
In this class, we will guide you with the tools to grow next year’s garden from this year’s success. You’ll learn time-tested techniques for saving seeds from common vegetables and flowers. Explore methods on how to recognize when flower and vegetable seeds are ripe, collect and process different seed types from Conner Prairie’s gardens, and talk about how to label and store your seeds for long-term viability.
You’ll take home seeds from the day plus references and resources on how to continue this tradition at home.
Date: August 29, 2026, 1 p.m.–4 p.m.
Price: $50 Members / $55 Nonmembers
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Thinking about raising livestock or ready to level up your herd care? Spend a full day with Conner Prairie’s agriculture team learning the essentials of raising and caring for sheep and goats.
We’ll cover breeds and selection, housing, nutrition, reproduction, and handling. Activities throughout the class include hoof trimming, body-condition scoring, breed Identification, low-stress handling and more. We’ll adjust to the group’s experience and level of interest.
You’ll leave with confidence and clear next steps for starting or improving your herd.
Date: March 7, 2026, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Price: $135 Members / $150 Nonmembers
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Cast your line and discover the joy of fishing in this hands-on, beginner-friendly class. You’ll learn everything from gear basics and tackle techniques to identifying local fish species, then put your new skills to the test. We provide all of the equipment so that you can enjoy time exploring classic pond fishing.
Dates: May 17, June 20, July 18, 2026
Price: $30 Members / $33 Nonmembers
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Adult Learning:
- Cheers to Chocolate: Boozy Cocoa Treats
- Forest Therapy: Ages 16+
- Gin-gle All the Way
- I’m All Ears! Corn in America (America’s Table Series)
- Love and Chocolate
- Soy, Are You from Around Here? Soybeans in America (America’s Table Series)
- Spring into Chocolate (America’s Table Series)
- The All-American Hot Dog? (America’s Table Series)
- Whiskey Trails: A Tasting Journey
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Nothing warms up a cold winter evening like a delicious mug of hot chocolate — especially if there’s an extra nip in it! In this immersive class for grown-ups, you’ll trace chocolate’s journey from cocoa bean to luxurious chocolate bar and learn about its rich history. Then, sample some boozy sweet treats as you craft your own indulgent cocoa-inspired creation.
Together, we’ll mix up a delicious tiramisu martini to sip while we chat, and you’ll leave with a small bottle of homemade history-inspired Crème de Cacao along with the recipes and experience to make everything at home.
This interactive evening is the perfect mix of education, indulgence, and hands-on fun.
Date: January 22, 2026, 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m.
Price: $50 Members / $55 Nonmembers
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Step away from the rush and rediscover what it means to be fully present in nature. Led by a certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, you’ll move at an unhurried pace and receive gentle invitations to engage with the sights, sounds, textures, and smells around you. Slow down, engage your senses, and reconnect with the natural world—all on Indiana’s first and only certified Forest Therapy trail.
Dates: June 14, August 30, and October 25, 2026
Price: $30 Members / $35 Nonmembers
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Raise a glass to the holiday season with a spirited evening devoted to all things gin. This festive hands-on workshop is packed with flavor, fun, and inspiration for your next celebration.
Sip a curated gin cocktail as you learn about the spirit’s fascinating history and craft a variety of gin-infused treats, perfect for holiday gifting or keeping for your own celebrations.
You’ll leave with a better understanding of gin’s history, a pot of gin and raspberry jam, gin and tonic bonbons, and lime shortbread with a gin and cherry icing, along with the recipes to recreate them at home.
Date: November 5, 2026, 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Price: $50 Members / $55 Nonmembers
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Explore the intersection of food, culture, and immigration’s impact on our modern gastronomy through a deep dive into one of the Hoosier state’s top crops – corn. We’ll look at the agricultural and culinary roots of corn, taste some locally made whiskey, and make and sample some corn-based treats. You’ll leave with recipes and a deeper appreciation for how this resilient grain became a cornerstone of American foodways.
Date: August 13, 2026, 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
Price: $45 Members / $50 Nonmembers
Thank you to our supporting sponsor:
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How the Heart-Shaped Box of Chocolates Became the Superlative Valentine’s Gift
Celebrate Valentine’s season with a decadent, hands-on chocolate experience. Start with a glass of wine or bourbon and learn the story behind the fusing of love and chocolate and the evolution of the heart-shaped box we all know and adore. Participants will then be instructed in the making of an assortment of chocolate truffles. You’ll taste as you go and head home with a half dozen truffles in a heart-shaped box, plus recipes to recreate the magic in your own kitchen.
Whether it’s date night, a night out with friends, or a personal treat, Love and Chocolate pairs engaging history with plenty of hands-on indulgence for an unforgettable evening.
Dates: February 11, 12, or 13, 2026 | Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Price: $45 Members / $50 Nonmembers
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Explore the intersection of food, culture, and immigration’s impact on our modern gastronomy through a deep dive into one of the Hoosier state’s top crops – soybeans. This evening program blends food history with hands-on activity as we investigate soy’s agricultural and culinary roots, as well as its impact today.
Throughout the journey, we will crack a beer, taste some surprising soy-based treats, and make a take-home soy-based sauce perfect for elevating your summer barbeques.
You’ll pick up recipes and historical knowledge that will give you a new understanding of this versatile legume!
Date: May 14, 2026, 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
Price: $45 Members / $50 Nonmembers
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Explore the intersection of food, culture, and immigration’s impact on our modern gastronomy through a deep dive into one of America’s most loved sweets – chocolate. Follow cacao’s path from Central America around the globe and look at the European influences that forever tied chocolate to Easter celebrations.
Throughout the evening, we will craft some boozy take-home treats for your adult Easter basket. Whisky tasting included, small bites and take-home candies provided, good cheer guaranteed.
Date: March 26, 2026, 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
Price: $45 Members / $50 Nonmembers
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Join us for a delicious journey through the intersection of food, culture, and immigration as we explore how the hot dog became a national icon. This immersive experience dives into the global roots of your favorite condiments, like ketchup and relish, and reveals how diverse culinary traditions shaped what we now consider “all-American.”
You will have the opportunity to make your own mustard and spend time around the fire where we will meet to enjoy lively conversation and taste some delicious dogs. Crack open a beer if you desire. Plus, take-home recipes and fascinating food history will equip you to host your next backyard cookout with cultural flair.
Date: June 25, 2026, 7 p.m.–9 p.m.
Price: $45 Members / $50 Nonmembers
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Join us on the Trails at Conner Prairie for a one-of-a-kind tasting journey. This evening experience highlights Hoosier distillers and chefs with corn-based spirits and innovative small bites. Along the way, you’ll learn about the importance of corn in Indiana’s agricultural history. Collect a keepsake tasting glass and marvel at a beautiful sunset with fellow whiskey lovers. Tickets include tastings and bites.
Date: September 3, 2026, 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m..
Price: $80 Members / $90 Nonmembers
Sponsored by
