Rain fell at the Ashokan Center on Saturday as attendees hurried toward the blacksmith shop, eager to watch Anna Koplik at the forge. Flames roared as she heated the metal, preparing to mold it into a hammerhead.
The semiannual Northeast Blacksmiths Hammer-In has been gathering novices and professionals for decades, offering a weekend devoted to the craft of blacksmithing. Koplik led demonstrations for attendees, while teens and children honed their skills at smaller stations.
The event is hosted by the Northeast Blacksmiths Association—founded in 1977 by longtime blacksmith Kent Reeves—and has been running since 1980.
This year’s Hammer-In featured Koplik forging a hammer using traditional techniques, including a top tool and a striker. This method involves an assistant swinging a large sledgehammer alongside Koplik to help shape the metal.
Participants ranged from beginners to seasoned blacksmiths like longtime shop owner Jonathan Nedbor, who specializes in Dutch colonial blacksmithery.
Attendees asked questions, took notes, and learned techniques and measurements during the demonstrations.
At midday, the group broke for sandwiches and conversation as folk musicians Jay Ungar and Molly Mason performed. Remarks followed from Tim Neu, a key organizer, as well as Ungar, both of whom have long supported the event.
The Northeast Blacksmiths Association is one of the longest-running groups to hold regular gatherings at the Ashokan Center. The initial vision for the event was to bring together professionals and hobbyists to share their knowledge.
“In the first couple of years it was only once but they were all having so much fun they said, ‘why not do it twice a year?’ and then we started doing it in the spring and the fall,” Neu said.
The Ashokan Center was established in 1957 as SUNY New Paltz’s 220-acre satellite campus for environmental education. The program never gained the popularity the school had hoped and was eventually discontinued.
New York City placed a bid to purchase the campus, since the Ashokan Reservoir cuts through a portion of the property and provides drinking water to city residents. Officials sought to prevent flooding, which could potentially contaminate the reservoir.
With the help of Ungar—who reached out to former Gov. George Pataki and officials at SUNY New Paltz to halt the sale—a deal was ultimately reached with the city. The remaining forest, farmland and streams were transferred to what is now known as the Ashokan Center.
As the Hammer-In has grown over the years, organizers have made various adjustments to accommodate its expanding size.
Some attendees have been involved with the Northeast Blacksmiths Association since its founding. Neu, who joined the organization in 1982, now serves as the group’s treasurer. Nedbor, a past president who led the group for more than 20 years, is a founding member.
“When I came up here to start blacksmithing, I filled out the application to be a part of the association, and I’ve been coming here ever since,” said Nedbor.
Throughout the day, Koplik welcomed passersby and encouraged them to feel the texture and weight of her finished work. Forging the hammer was a team effort, requiring assistance to strike the metal.
Two types of heat sources were used in her demonstrations: coal and propane. Coal forges require regular tending to maintain temperature. Once the metal reaches the proper temperature, it is hammered or pressed into shape—a cycle repeated until the piece is complete.
Though physically demanding, the craft was embraced by the community with respect and enthusiasm.
Koplik wore a shirt from the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths, an organization founded to promote diversity within the field. Others referenced the group’s work as well, reinforcing the welcoming atmosphere. The Northeast Blacksmiths Hammer-In continues to create space for anyone interested in blacksmithing, regardless of experience or background.
The next Hammer-In is scheduled for Oct. 3–5. For updates and information on how to attend, visit the Northeast Blacksmiths Association website.
Olivia Sippel is a contributing reporter. Send correspondence to reporting@theoverlooknews.com.