LANCASTER, Pa. (March 12, 2026) – Lancaster Bible College is working alongside local craftspeople to offer two non-credit Heritage Trades Workshops — one in Blacksmithing and one in Timber Framing — in April.

The workshops are designed to introduce LBC students as well as members of the community to the fundamentals of these historic trades. Participants will gain foundational skills through a blend of demonstrations and guided practice.

Timber Framing Workshop

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 6-8
• LBC Physical Plant Building, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster
• Registration deadline: April 3
• Limited to 10 participants
• Cost: $300 — includes three-day workshop and three lunches
• Open to LBC students and the public, as well as to individuals ages 16 and older. A signed liability waiver is required. Individuals under 18 years of age will require a parent’s consent.

Blacksmithing Workshop

• 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 8-10
• LBC Physical Plant Building, 901 Eden Road, Lancaster
• Registration deadline: April 6
• Limited to 12 participants
• Cost: $300 — includes three-day workshop and three lunches
• Open to LBC students and the public, as well as to individuals ages 16 and older. A signed liability waiver is required. Individuals under 18 years of age will require a parent’s consent.

Further details and registration links for both workshops are posted at lbc.edu/events.

The Timber Framing Workshop allows participants to step into a craft that has shaped communities for centuries. The three-day, non-credit workshop offers hands-on experience with traditional hand tools and classic joinery techniques, guided by skilled craftspeople.

At a time when skilled trades are experiencing renewed demand nationwide, opportunities to learn heritage building methods are increasingly rare. Across the U.S., the construction industry continues to face a shortage of skilled workers, and interest in hands-on, meaningful craftsmanship is growing — especially among young people seeking practical skills and creative, tangible work. Workshops like this help preserve time-honored trades while equipping the next generation with valuable experience.

The Blacksmithing Workshop introduces students and the public to the fundamentals of the historic blacksmithing trade. In this non-credit workshop, attendees will learn essential shop safety, identify and use core blacksmithing tools, and develop proper forging techniques. Under the direction of experienced instructors, participants will also explore key processes such as heating, shaping and finishing metal.

By the end of the workshop, each participant will finish their own metal projects and demonstrate the ability to work safely and responsibly in a shop environment. Geared toward beginners, craft enthusiasts or those interested in traditional trades, this immersive experience offers a meaningful introduction to the art of blacksmithing.

Specific clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) are mandatory for both workshops, including safety glasses, closed-toe shoes or boots, long pants and shirts with sleeves. Hair must also be tied back and jewelry removed or secured. For the blacksmithing workshop, participants will be working near a forge and should avoid synthetic fabrics; natural fibers are recommended.

————————

Founded in 1933, Lancaster Bible College provides an accredited university-level education for multiple careers with a focus on the Bible and a biblical worldview, Christ and Christian character. LBC’s mission is to educate Christian students to think and live a biblical worldview and to proclaim Christ by serving Him in the Church and society. In 2025, LBC introduced its new tagline, “Experience Different,” which highlights the college’s four key differentiators – biblical integration, authentic community, relational education and exceptional location.

Accredited through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation, LBC is also approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Association of Christian Schools International. Specialized accreditations are also in the areas of: Social Work (Council on Social Work Education), Music, Worship & Performing Arts (National Association of Schools of Music) and Sport Management (Commission on Sport Management Accreditation).