Living-History Skill Samplers
- Living History Farms is running historic skills samplers as part of a Folk Art Fair this week. - The program pairs craftsmen demonstrations with hands-on visitor activities. - Social posts show woodworking, traditional dyeing, and printmaking stations aimed at practical public engagement (x.com).
Living History Farms will run short “historic skills samplers” alongside its inaugural Folk Art Fair on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (lhf.org) The Folk Art Fair runs 10 a.m.–3 p.m. in the 1876 Town of Walnut Hill, and the samplers are offered April 25 only with times and locations that vary by class. (lhf.org) Letter‑press printing samplers meet 9–10 a.m. and 3–4 p.m.; participants will set type and print two calling cards on a hand‑powered proof press. (lhf.org) Blacksmithing samplers also run 9–10 a.m. and 3–4 p.m.; the class lets adults forge a simple piece (examples listed: a dinner triangle) and lists fees of $30 or $27 for members. (lhf.org) Other April 25 offerings include beginning knitting, a cake‑tester broom workshop, and food demonstrations, while the fair’s schedule lists more than 50 artisans demonstrating heritage trades across the town. (lhf.org) Living History Farms frames the event as its first Folk Art Fair in recognition of America’s 250th birthday; the fair’s admission is free, though many samplers require separate registration. (lhf.org) The nonprofit operates a 500‑acre open‑air museum in Urbandale that interprets 1700, 1850 and 1900 farm sites plus an 1876 town, with a print shop, blacksmith shop and other living‑history demonstrations on site. (lhf.org) If you want to try letterpress, forging, or other hands‑on stations on April 25, register through Living History Farms’ samplers page and check the event page for exact times and locations. (lhf.org)
