N A T H A N A L L E N
Noblesville, Indiana
Growing up not too far from Branson, MO, Nathan's family often went to Silver Dollar City, a themed 1880's amusement park. Watching the blacksmith was one of his favorite things to do and ignited his interest in traditional trades. He started blacksmithing in 8th grade. He was definitely addicted quickly to blacksmithing, working at his “backyard forge” every chance he got. Nathan attended Southeast Missouri State University, majoring in Historic Preservation and after graduation began working as a blacksmith at Conner Prairie, a living history museum outside of Indianapolis. The work at Conner Prairie focuses on reproducing artifacts, restoration of vintage farm equipment, custom ironwork, overseeing the maintenance of the museum's historic buildings and teaching blacksmithing. In addition to working at Conner Prairie, He has a small shop at home and when he can pull himself away from fishing and hunting, he enjoys making reproduction 18th and 19th century knives and tomahawks.
Nathan's demonstration centered around traditional hand techniques that were employed in an early 19th century blacksmith shop. Toolmaking was the focus and he showed how some items were manufactured in small shops.
TRADITIONAL TOOLS
