Blacksmiths' Guild of the Potomac Inc.

07/22/2026

Class alert! Nicholas Kimball will be teaching a tong making class at BGOP in September. Learn how to make a staple of forging with limited tools and shop equipment.

07/22/2026

Your favorite time of year is here, its the fall grant cycle!

The fall cycle features two grants in each of the following categories: Professional Tool, Tool, and Educational. As always, our grants are focused on funding underrepresented individuals in the field of metalworking and blacksmithing, which includes, but is not limited to, anyone who identifies as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, female, or disabled. Two grants will be awarded in each of the following categories: Professional Tool, Tool, and Educational. These applications are open to all and juried with fair and open minds.

Money is a huge barrier for many folks to pursue their blacksmithing practice. We hope these grants can help with that.

A huge thank you to the Maxwell Hanrahan Foundation for being our direct source of funding for the majority of these grants. And a hug and thank you to every person who dontates to our fundraisers. Community can do so much together! Thank you.

[Image description: A close up of a lit coal forge with a gloved hand reaching in with tongs. Several pairs of legs are seen from people sitting in the background on what are probably bleachers. White text overlay says "Applications are open for the SIBs fall 2026 grant cycle. Grant categories: Tool, professional tool, educational."]

06/06/2026

BGOP Board member Chris Blazy demonstrating twists for our crowd from the Washington Woodworkers Guild. Had folks making keychains and hooks last night.

04/29/2026

BGOP demonstrators at Fort C. F. Smith this weekend!

04/11/2026

Today is the day! Glen Horr is demoing some amazing faces Spring Fling!

04/03/2026

04/03/2026

Bringing someone new to blacksmithing to BGOP Spring Fling then have them follow the signs to our beginners class!

04/03/2026

Spring Fling is almost here! If you want to try out blacksmithing we have 4 (or more) sessions for beginners to make a project. Cost is included in the Spring Fling fee. Registration forms and info at www.bgop.org under our Spring Fling tab. Link in bio. Make a project and see some great demos! Sign me up!

04/02/2026

Join the Blacksmiths' Guild of the Potomac Inc. for their Annual Spring Fling Conference. Demonstrators are Glenn Horr from Highland Forge. Richard Sullivan from the Williamsburg Gun Shop will also be demonstrating the completion of a Brown Bess rifle.

There will be demonstrations, open forge, tailgating, vendors, iron-in-the-hat raffles, and more. Get more info at https://bgop.org/bgop-spring-fling/