Pioneer Living History Weekend with 19th Century Blacksmithing and Pioneer Camp

Organization

Bureau of Land Management

BLM Office:

High Plains District Office

Media Contact:

Dennis Kuhnel

CASPER, Wyo. – Join the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center on June 5-6 for a special weekend celebrating pioneer trail history with 19th century blacksmithing demonstrations and a living history pioneer camp.

David W. Osmundsen will be showcasing the remarkable ingenuity and skill of 19th century blacksmiths. Since the 1970s, Osmundsen has been forging wrought ironwork and tools. In 2004, he founded the Arrowhead Forge School of Blacksmithing in Buffalo, WY. David’s focus includes trade goods pertaining to the 18th and 19th century fur trade, and inspiring a passion for blacksmithing amongst the public. Join Osmundsen at the Trails Center as he demonstrates various techniques of blacksmithing. Special presentations will include making axes, cooking utensils, and door hardware!

•    Saturday, June 5: 10:00-5:00 p.m. – Special Presentation: Blacksmithing at 11am and 2pm
•    Sunday, June 6: 8:00-3:00 p.m. – Special Presentation: Blacksmithing at 11am

The Trails Center pioneer camp will be brought to life by the incredible Merchant Family. Performing pioneer music and participating in living history re-enactments, the Merchant family is a must-see experience for locals and visitors alike. Join us as special reenactors portray a civilian pioneer camp along the pioneer trails. Events will include live instrumental and vocal pioneer music, children’s games, pioneer period clothing, a wagon encampment, and so much more!

•    Saturday, June 5: 8:00-5:00 p.m. – Special Presentation: Live Pioneer Music at 1pm
•    Sunday, June 6: 8:00-3:00 p.m. – Special Presentation: Live Pioneer Music at 1pm

“We’re thrilled to have David Osmundsen and the Merchant Family with us this weekend. Their passion for blacksmithing and pioneer history allows folks of all ages to experience the 19th century in a new and exciting way,” said Kathleen Hanson, Education Technician, “Come on out and join us for an amazing weekend of pioneer living history!”

For more information regarding Pioneer Living History Weekend, please call 307-261-7700. 
The Trails Center is open 7 days a week from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm MST 
1501 N Poplar St, Casper, WY 82601. 
Admission is Free.

-BLM-
 


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.