Join the Portage County Historical Society for an engaging program as part of our America250 speaker series. This talk explores the remarkable story of Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman whose fight for liberty carried him across the Atlantic to the American Revolution. Learn how Pulaski’s military experience, bold leadership, and devotion to freedom earned him the title “Father of the American Cavalry” and secured his place as a hero of two nations.
Discover how Pulaski’s journey from Poland to the battlefields of America reflects the broader story of immigration, sacrifice, and the international fight for independence at the heart of the American Revolution.
Wednesday, January 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Old Plover Methodist Church at Heritage Park
2700 Madison Ave, Plover
Registration is recommended as seating is limited. A $5 donation at the door is appreciated.
Come celebrate America250 with an inspiring story of courage, commitment, and the enduring pursuit of freedom.
Step into the forge and experience the timeless art of blacksmithing in this hands-on, three-part workshop series. Designed for beginners and enthusiasts alike, the program introduces participants to the seven fundamental techniques of the trade—drawing out, upsetting, cutting/slitting, bending, twisting, punching, and forge welding—through practical, take-home projects. Students will explore both the historical and modern sides of blacksmithing, working with our historic coal forge as well as experimenting with a propane forge.
​
Each session builds skills through guided projects.​ By the end of the series, participants will not only take home their own handmade ironwork but also gain a deeper appreciation of blacksmithing’s enduring role in history.
Registration covers all three sessions as well as the cost of materials. Space is extremely limited to 3 participants per time slot, so reserve your spot today
Requirements: This is an adults-only class. For safety, participants must wear long pants, boots (steel toes not required), and only natural fibers or leather—no synthetics. Leather work gloves and ANSI Z87.1-rated safety glasses are required.
​
Instructor Information: Instructor Eric Renfert is a local hobbyist blacksmith who first became interested in the trade from watching longtime demonstrator John Berg at the Heritage Days event some twenty years ago. As an adult, he became re-interested and started forging tools and trinkets in 2018, including a set of tomahawks for his groomsmen. An engineer in his day job, Eric volunteers at the Heritage Park demonstrating for visitors. He lives in Stevens Point with his wife and toddler daughter.
​
We are planning another workshop for later this year. If you have interest in attending one of our blacksmith workshops, please reach out to education@pchswi.org