Public Event Schedule 2010
Latest Update : May 2010
Many of the 2010 activities are similar to past years, the dates are approximately
the same.
For more details on the specific events, use the links provided.
(Note that most of these take you off the Wareham Forge series.)
Detailed Information on this year's courses at the Wareham Forge can be found HERE
2010 Year at a glance 
This table shows all of the year's (potential!) activities and will quickly
let you see everything on the timetable
2010 Living History Conference
February 27
For more information on the event go to the Conference web site
20th Annual Symposium
Saturday March 27
Bricker Academic Building, Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo Ontario
| 'Iron Smelting in Vinland,
Converting Archaeological Evidence to a Practical Method' The excavations at L'Anse aux Meadows Newfoundland uncovered
remains interpreted by the original excavation team as a 'Furnace Hut'
and an iron smelting furnace. The remains are fragmentary, and at best
only represent the last stages of a complex physical sequence. What might
this furnace have looked like, and exactly how might the smelting process
have been undertaken by the Norse, 1000 years ago? As well as considering
furnace remains from Norway and Iceland, practical experience derived
from a long series of experimental iron smelts will be assessed. |
There are a number of decision points any re-enactor must make in selecting a historic period of interest, creating a character, then equipping themselves. Museum programs and established living history groups often have authenticity standards which are based on principles that are poorly understood. How do problems with artifact prototypes, maintaining uniform standards, even odd factors like local building codes (!) relate to how you may present yourself to the public? This illustrated and free ranging discussion will attempt to detail some of the underlaying theories, using the upcoming presentation by the Dark Ages Re-creation Company at L'Anse aux Meadows NHSC for concrete examples. |
For more information on the event go to the FITP web site
Introduction to Blacksmithing
at the WAREHAM FORGE
April 30, May 1 & 2
May 21 - 24
As in past years, I will be attending this great re-enactor's event.
Open to the public during normal museum hours. Afternoons I will be found
in the Museum's Blacksmith Shop, demonstrating (but not working too hard!).
June 4 & 5
(Friday evening - Saturday)
Detailed Information on this special course can be found HERE
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DARC - LAM 2010
Dress Rehearsal at the WAREHAM FORGE June 12 This is a special presentation of Life at Vinland,
circa 1000 AD, including a full iron smelt. Due to space and sanitation restrictions, this is an invitational event only Please keep posted for further information as it develops. |
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June 18 - 20
July 16 - 18
July 24 & 25
EARTH, AIR, FIRE & WATER : CELTIC ROOTS FESTIVAL
Goderich
the CELTIC COLLEGE
August 4 - 7
I been involved with the Celtic College since its inception. I normally offer a number of hands on courses and sessions as part of this successful program - including the infamous Artist's Extravaganza (evening 'cultural' session with An Droichead):
(Tentative Course Offerings - 2010)
Monday - Period One (9:00 - 10:30) OR Monday - Period Three (1:00 - 2:30) 'Its always best to steal ideas from dead guys'. There is a wealth of inspiration available in ancient artifacts, if you just know how to look. From the form of a sword mount to the embellishment on a drinking horn, lines, shapes and patterns can serve as the basis for your own designs. In this session we will cover some of the 'tricks of the trade' used to 'borrow' creative ideas from existing objects. Don't think you can draw? Well, it turns out there are some simple little methods to get around that too. This class would be a helpful warmup to any of the visual arts courses, and so is open to all. Note that this class is a REQUIREMENT for those taking 'BRONZE CASTING in Green Sand'. Students should bring pencil and paper (and an open mind!) Open to all (max based on room available) |
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'BRONZE CASTING in Green Sand' |
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Pewter Casting in Soapstone |
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The FESTIVAL
August 8 - 10
I have had a booth in the Artisans area since the very first year of the Festival - making me one of a very few who have attended every year. Again this year expect a display of both functional and artistic pieces with Celtic inspiration - with a special focus on wind powered pieces for the GARDEN.
| Casting Metals - Bronze and Pewter As in past years, the featured demonstration will echo the courses offered at the Celtic Colllege. A cornerstone for Festival goers, Darrell's ongoing demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday afternoon always education and entertain. This year the plan is to show a number of techniques : Bronze casting in green sand / Pewter casting in Soapstone. A special event will be the completion of a stone mold and the casting of a Celtic inspired dagger! If all goes well, the finished object will be offered as part of the fund raising silent auction, with completion planned for about 5 - 6 pm Sunday. |
In addition to my display of current work, I normally prove a physical demonstration Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Join me for look at the work of the Artisan Metalsmith- and how it relates to the Celtic Iron Age.
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DARC at Vinland August 16 to 25 L'Anse aux Meadows NHSC Newfoundland IRON SMELT - Saturday August 21 To mark the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the archaeological site, Parks Canada has invited the Dark Ages Re-creation Company to mount a major presentation at L'Anse aux Meadows NHSC. Current plans are for at least 8 members to illustrate various aspects of daily life at Vinland during the Viking Age : textiles production, woodworking, and metalworking. Expect more details and background information to come available! |
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September 17 - 19
Detailed Information on / registration for this course can be found HERE
October 15 - 17
Detailed Information on / registration for this course can be found HERE
Introduction to Layered Steels
at the WAREHAM FORGE
October 23 - 24
Detailed Information on these courses can be found HERE
This two day program will introduce the student to casting PEWTER in SOAPSTONE and BRONZE in SAND.
Detailed Information on this course can be found HERE