Workshops

Tatting

West Baton Rouge Museum will host a series of tatting workshops led by Louisiana artist, Christy Benoit Castille. Tatting is a timeless handwork which dates back to the 1700’s and can be found throughout Europe. Tatting is used with a double thread to create double knots.

Beginner Shuttle Tatting

Dates: June 6th, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $30

Beginner Shuttle Tatting will be held on Tuesday, June 6th, 2023 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. In this class, participants will use their fingers similar to knitting or crochet and will focus on mastering the double stitch. The results are creating beautiful edging that can be used on heirloom clothing. Please note, participants should not have dexterity (arthritis or joint) issues. Space is limited, and advanced registration is required by calling the Museum. The cost is $30.

Christy Benoit Castille is a member of many craft guilds such as Tatters Across Time, the Louisiana Crafts Guild, and the International Organization of Lace. She first became interested in tatting after seeing her great grandmother’s tatting shuttle and handwork. It has been her mission ever since not only to learn the craft but also to pass on the skill set and beautiful history of this traditional art form.

Genealogy

Exploration in Acadian Genealogy

Dates: June 10th, 17th, and 24th, 2023
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: FREE

West Baton Rouge Museum will be the host site for a new series exploring the challenges of Acadian genealogy research that will take place on three consecutive Saturdays: June 10th, 17th, and 24th, 2023 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Participants will engage in their own family tree in a three-week interactive workshop with notable guest speakers recognized in the field of genealogy. Each session will conclude with a roundtable discussion to share stories, research challenges, and family connections discovered amongst each other through this discussion and exploration of family history.

Special guest lecturers that will be presenting as a part of this series include the following:

Stella Caline Tanoos, member of the Board of Directors of Le’Comite, the Iberville Museum, several genealogical societies, and author or Lost Louisiana: The Cattle Drives of Louisiana.
Billy Hebert is a member of the Acadian Memorial in St. Martinville, La., L'Ordre de Bon Temps, president of the West Baton Rouge Genealogical Society, and serves on the Board of Directors of the West Baton Rouge Historical Association, the Advisory Board of the Brusly Landmark and Heritage Commission, and is a founding member of the West Baton Rouge Acadian Heritage Celebration.
Daniel Blanchard has followed his family's Acadian Odyssey from the Acadiana, to the shores of Nova Scotia, Canada, and throughout France. He speaks fluent Louiaiana French, participates in French tables, attends Acadian events throughout Louisiana including the Grand Réveil Acadien ("The Great Acadian Awakening"), the Festivals Acadiens et Créoles, and the Fête-Dieu du Tèche Eucharistic Boat Procession. Blanchard is also an active member of the Blanchard Family Association.

This series is sponsored in part by the West Baton Rouge Genealogical Society with collaboration from the West Barton Rouge Parish Library and spearheaded by West Baton Rouge Historical Association board member, Debbie Doiron Martin.

This workshop is FREE and open to the public. However, advanced registration is encouraged by contacting the Museum.

Blacksmithing

Blacksmithing Basics

Date: Scheduled Upon Request
Time:Scheduled Upon Request
Cost: $200
Location: Museum Barn

The West Baton Rouge Museum is home to a thriving Blacksmith Apprenticeship program. Classes are taught by Artist in Residence and professional blacksmith, Gary Hart and other special guests. The tuition for this course is $200 which includes supplies, a copy of the classic blacksmithing book The Art of Blacksmithing by Alex Bealer, and completed projects. Blacksmithing basics and blacksmithing ornamental skills will be taught. Participants will leave with basic blacksmithing knowledge and skill that can be built upon. Class sizes will be limited and will be offered on weekdays or weekends to accommodate participants’ schedules. Upon completion of the program, participants interested in continuing to hone their craft will be eligible to conduct demonstrations at the West Baton Rouge Museum by becoming blacksmithing volunteers.

Forging On

Date: Scheduled Upon Request
Time:Scheduled Upon Request
Cost: To Be Determined
Location: Museum Barn

The West Baton Rouge Museum will soon be adding a series of sessions covering more specialized blacksmithing techniques. This advanced program is designed for those who have completed Blacksmithing Basics and wish to build upon their skills. Fees will apply.

Basic Woodworking

The Museum is pleased to work with skilled artisan, Terry Landry, to present a series of wood working workshops inside the museum’s barn. Advanced, paid reservations are required due to class size limits. To register, please call the Museum.

Build a Footstool

Dates: TBD
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $150
Location: Museum Barn

Basic Woodworking: Build a Foot Stool is a two part workshop that will be held on April 15th, 2023 and April 22st, 2023 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Each participant in the class will build their own little four legged foot stool using only hand tools. Students will use saws, chisels, square, compass, brace, hammer and smooth plane. Cost of materials is included in the fee but students are required to bring their own tape rule. This class is limited to a maximum of four participants.

Build a Tool Tote

Dates: TBD
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $150
Location: Museum Barn

Basic Woodworking: Build a Tool Tote is a two part session that will be held Saturday, May 13th, 2023 and May 20th, 2023 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Participants in this class will each build their own tool tote using saws, chisels, brace, marking gauge and hand planes. You will learn to mark and cut dovetails and dados to build the tote. The includes cost of materials. Although they are provided, those who have their own chisels and dovetails saw may wish to bring those as well. This class is limited to a maximum of four participants.