Those with an interest in history or looking to learn a new craft are invited to take part in educational classes being offered at Historic Joanna Furnace, 1250 Furnace Road, Geigertown, on select dates from April through August. A class will also be offered for those considering becoming a tour guide at the historic site as part of the education/interpretation team.

Classes will take place in person at the site. The programs are open to those age 16 and over. Instructors will be volunteer educators with the Hay Creek Valley Historical Association (HCVHA).

"Learn to Be a Joanna Furnace Tour Guide" will be offered on Tuesday, April 27, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The class will focus on hands-on training inside the historic Joanna Furnace buildings provided by various HCVHA interpreters.

"(Participants) will get a nice binder of information that will become their own study guide," explained Mark Zerr, HCVHA executive director. "If the class date doesn't suit people, Hay Creek is willing to work out other arrangements to get them to be trained and comfortable to be a tour guide here."

A class on 18th- and 19th-century metal casting will be offered on Saturday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to noon. Attendees will make a sand mold by using a pattern and then fill it will molten aluminum. They will then be able to take the casting home with them. "This is only open to a small group, so individuals can set up a time to learn the craft," Zerr said. "Our resident molder, Jack Woods, is at Joanna Furnace every Thursday."

Two hands-on cooking classes will also be offered, including "Open Fire Cooking" on Saturday, May 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and "Bake Oven Demonstrating" on Saturday, May 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The following hands-on craft classes will be offered on Saturdays: "Basics of Watercolor," May 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; "Design Your Redware Plate," June 5, 1 to 4 p.m.; "Make a Braided Wool Rug," June 12, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; "Make a Penny Rug," June 19, 10 a.m. to noon; "Make a Toothbrush Rug," July 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; "Make a Wooly Christmas Tree," July 24, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; "Make a Snowman Plaque," July 31, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; "Make a Round Basket With Wooden Base," Aug. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and "Make (Six) Redware Ornaments," Aug. 21, 1 to 4 p.m.

Open enrollment is underway. Reservations are required. The registration deadline is one week before the stated class date.

Space will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. Most classes will be held outdoors under a covered pavilion. Attendees must follow COVID-19 requirements of wearing masks and practicing social distancing.

Details on the specific class information, content and tuition and the registration form are available at http://www.haycreek.org. For more information, contact Zerr at 610-286-0388.