Month: February 2018

Sat., March 24, 9-3. Make a Crystal Radio Set. This class is open to Ages 11 and above.You will build a working radio using a crystal diode and other components on a wooden base. Ear phones and all materials are included. You will learn to solder wire. You will also be introduced to a razor blade trench radio that was used during WWII by POWs. This is a foundational class for an understanding of communications technology dating back to the 1920s. Tuition: $50 Pay to register. First come, first serve. Limited to 5. Call: (207) 205-4849 or (207) 745-4426 Visit: curranhomestead.org Email: rpschmick1@aol.com

Sat. & Sun., March 24 & 25, 9-4, Knife Making Class at 19th Century Curran Homestead Village at Newfield, formerly Willowbrook Museum, 70 Elm St., Newfield.  Our third class this season. Instructor: Frank Vivier. Make your first knife or a better one. This is both an opportunity for beginners and intermediate level knife makers. Using propane or coal fired forges (your preference), you will cut and shape a blade and tang from spring steel.You will use a combination of hand and power tools. You will oil quench and oven temper your knife. Create hardwood handle scales and brass pins. You will epoxy your handle scales on and set pins into your tang by the end of the class. All materials and tools provided. Cost: $225 Discount to returning students. Pay to register. First come, first serve. Limited to 5. Call: (207) 205-4849 or (207) 745-4426 Visit: curranhomestead.org Email: rpschmick1@aol.com

Sat., March 31, 9AM-3PM. Make a Propane Burning Forge/Furnace at 19^th Century Homestead Village at Newfield, formerly Willowbrook, 70 Elm St., Newfield. This is an inexpensive alternative to a coal fired forge for the budding blacksmith or blade-smith. It is perfect for knife-making because you don’t burn up your project. Also, can be adapted to use for metal casting. You will be provided with a kit of our making that includes a metal tank with legs welded on it. You will create a mold, mix refractory cement, and line your tank and its top with this high temp, commercial grade refractory rated for 2700-3000 degrees Fahrenheit. It will set quickly in our heated workshop. You will attach other elements to the tank, complete the flame wand assembly with a 10 PSI regulator. We will demonstrate the forge at the beginning of the class. Cost: $325 All materials provided. Pay to register. First come, first serve. Limited to 5. Call: (207) 205-4849 or (207) 745-4426 Visit: curranhomestead.org Email: rpschmick1@aol.com

Sat., March 31, 9AM-3PM. Make a Catapult at 19^th Century Homestead Village at Newfield, formerly Willowbrook, 70 Elm St., Newfield. Ages 11 and above. Using a design created by Leonardo Da Vinci you will create this projectile thrower approximately 12” x 12” x 24”. This is of wood construction and wooden peg fasteners and glue will be used for assembly. This is our custom-made kit which might require some occasional drilling with hand tools. A good foundational class in post and beam construction. Cost: $50 Materials provided. Pay to register. First come, first serve. Limited to 5. Call: (207) 205-4849 or (207) 745-4426 Visit: curranhomestead.org Email: rpschmick1@aol.com

Saturday & Sunday, April 14 & 15, 2018, 9AM-3PM (12 hours instruction). Fire Maker Class: Primitive Skills, including a Beginning Blacksmithing Component at Newfield. Ages 14 and Above. Craft the components to a fire making survival kit that includes making a ferro striker (strike-o-light) from a steel file using blacksmithing techniques. you will learn to create a coal fire and heat metal for the purposes of forging your strike-o-light. You will create char cloth, waterproof matches, and mini infernos as well as build fires, gather tinder, and make kindling. You will produce a flint & steel set as well as the ferro rod and scraper. The class will end with cooking a meal over an open-air fire. Cost: $150 All materials and tools provided for making your walkaway kit. Pay to register. First come, first serve. Limited to 5. Call: (207) 205-4849 or (207) 745-4426 Visit: curranhomestead.org Email: rpschmick1@aol.com

 

 

Saturday, March 17, 10AM-3PM, Maple Syrup Event and Irish Celebration at Fields Pond (Orrington)

• Maple Syrup Making Demonstration
• Blacksmithing Demonstration
• Horse Drawn Bob Sleigh or Wagon ( Weather Dependent)
• Maple Syrup Flavored Food and Refreshments
• Childrens’ Egg Hunt

Sat. & Sun., February 24 & 25, 9AM-3PM Letterpress Printing Class. 12 hours total. Under the tutelage of professional letterpress printer Mark Matteau of the Dunstan Press of Scarborough, students will learn to set type in a chase, ink a platen on either a foot treadle or hand letterpress, and feed the press for a production. Working our 1890s replica letterpress printing shop with authentic period equipment will learn some of the foundational skills of mechanical printing in an age of inkjet and laser printing attached by cables to a computer. Students will complete five projects over the course of two days. Opportunities for additional volunteer work in the shop if interested during our regular museum season. Tuition: $125, includes takeaway materials.

Our event and classes scheduled for February 3 & 4 will proceed as planned whether rain, snow or shine.