The Tidewater Blacksmith’s Guild is dedicated to preserving the craft of blacksmithing and increasing public awareness of the history of our craft, while at the same time demonstrating that in this automated machine world, things hand-made still exist and remain objects of art. The Tidewater Blacksmith’s Guild is a local member organization chartered under the Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America Inc. (ABANA), a non-profit organization.
If you would like to have the Tidewater Blacksmiths Guild to demonstrate at your event, here’s what you should know:
If you would like to have the Tidewater Blacksmiths Guild to demonstrate at your event, here’s what you should know:
- We are professional in our approach and will present a close-up look at the art of blacksmithing. We can set up our own tents, or we can use your facility.
We are a non-profit, insured, 501(c)7 group.
- We are available for any public, private, or school event.
- We are capable of providing talks on the different aspects of blacksmithing and work well with museums, schools, and events of a cultural/historic nature either educational or just for fun. We love working with children and enjoy letting them see what blacksmithing is all about.
- We typically do not require additional accommodation at an event, so there are no hidden extra costs. Simply put, accommodation fees shall be agreed upon in advance.
We do work with open fires in our forges, but we can use propane forges if open flames are a safety issue.
We look forward to working with you.
TIDEWATER BLACKSMITH’S GUILD HISTORY
The Guild had it’s beginnings in the fall of 1995. Mitch Linden, TBG’s founding President, got a list of local blacksmith’s from ABANA, and called around to see if anyone was interested in forming an ABANA chapter. The first meeting was held in November 1995 at the Career Development Center in Va. Bch., where Jon Cookson was an Instructor, and had volunteered the shop space. Read more…
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TIDEWATER BLACKSMITH’S LATEST NEWS
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Question. Would this rivet tool be made from mild steel or carbon steel?
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Not blacksmithing related but lithos post laid out and explained the inner workings of the organization. Plus this sounds like a good group to hang out with.Every so often it seems I need to repost this as we have many more new followers than the last time I posted this.:
I am going to answer some questions here about skirmishing.
Questions and Answers
Q: What is Skirmishing?
A: Skirmishing is the competitive shooting of Civil Arms and Artillery in team competition.
Q: Who is the North-South Skirmish Association?
A: The North-South Skirmish Association is a 501.C3 organization incorporated in the State of Virginia with the dedicated purpose of educating people on the history of the American Civil War through holding Skirmishes. The N-SSA also does many other activities that promote the learning of history outside of Skirmishes as well. Skirmishers come from all walks of life and each unit/team is it's own special blend of personalities and character.
Q: Is it like reenacting?
A: No, not really. Skirmishing is more about shooting. This kind of shooting happens to be with Civil War black powder arms. It also happens to be about history and preservation of history, teamwork, educating, camaraderie and remembrance. While we admire and respect our reenacting cousins and what they do our approach is a bit different from theirs.
Q: What's with the uniforms?
A: Each "team" represents a unit in the Civil War. So, you will hear us refer to Teams and Units interchangeably. We do wear uniforms to commemorate the people our "Team/Unit" represents and during matches most often uniforms are required. We aren't stitch counters, we don't do much in the way of marching or drilling or even period camping. We are competitive shooters first and foremost. The uniforms are a way of Honoring those folks who were in the deadliest conflict in American History.
Q: Is it expensive?
A: It doesn't have to be. The biggest hurdle for most is the rifle/musket and most units have loaners they are happy to let you use until you find the one that is right for you and inside of the organization there is a huge used market of weapons at very reasonable prices and skirmishers tend to like to help other skirmishers get started. Uniforms aren't all that expensive now. There are plenty of resources to get inexpensive uniforms. The leather gear can generally be gotten used but even if you go with all new leather gear it's not a big expense. Loading equipment, bullet molds and melting pots can be had very reasonably, especially used equipment. Lead is easy to get if you are willing to get your hands a little dirty.
Q: Are women allowed to participate?
A: Seriously??? Believe it or not we still get this question from time to time and the answer is always "Hell Yes". There are a lot of women skirmishers and they are some of the fiercest and best competitors out there on the firing line.
Q: Are there any age restrictions?
A: Yes, you have to be at least 14. If you are under 18 you will need your parents' consent but bring your folks out with you and get them involved and vice versa. Skirmishing can be a wonderful family activity and we have 3rd and 4th generation Skirmishers who have grown up in our sport/hobby. If you are under 14 we have a BB Gun competition to help kickstart your training.
Q: Is it a safe sport/hobby?
A: So long as you follow the guidelines for safety in the organization it is very safe. We have upwards of 3,000 competitors shooting at a National Skirmish and in over 50 years of Skirmishing we have not had a serious firearms related injury. So other than maybe getting your ego hurt once in a while or falling into a campfire, skirmishing is a very safe activity.
Q: What do you get if I or my Team/Unit wins a match?
A: A medal, the admiration of other Skirmishers, and a bit of pride in knowing that on that given day you out shot the hundreds of other competitors you were up against. There's no prize money, no endorsements or sponsorships. We do this because we love it. Once you try it you might find out you love it too.
Q: Where are matches held?
A: All over the Eastern half of the US but the National Range is in Winchester, VA at our Fort Shenandoah facility.
Q: Does it matter if I am on a Federal or Confederate team?
A: Only to you. You need to find a group you are comfortable shooting with that's the key. You will find that Skirmishers have dear lifelong friends that wear a different color uniform and that we respect each other no matter what color uniform they wear. Now make no mistake when the horn sounds, we are doing our level best to outshoot each other but that is what friendly competition should do.
Q: I see references to a "Recruit Skirmish" what is that?
A: A recruit Skirmish is where we let people who have never tried this before get a chance to try our sport/hobby under the tutelage of experienced instructors and skirmishers. They are absolutely free and even if you decide our beloved sport is not for you at least you will understand what it is we do and can count it as a life experience to remember. Many folks who come out have never even fired a firearm before, much less a black powder firearm.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Well, if you have read this far you have already taken a good first step. The next step is to ask a Skirmisher. You can email us here: [email protected] or [email protected] and we will help you find a unit close to you to help you get started or come out to a skirmish and meet some skirmishers. Most are more than happy to talk to you about what we do.
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A great time was had by all at our 2024 Guild Christmas Gala. Lots of goodies to be won in our Iron in the Hat raffle, including five $100 gift certificates and a Smithing Magician from John Elliott's Blacksmith supply. John was there in person, and he set up a large selection of his inventory to sell at the event. Good food and friends. Good times. 🤓
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FREE EVENT!!!
If you find yourself wanting to give this a try to see if it is for you here's your chance. Read below.::::::::::::::::::
The Central Virginia Region of the N-SSA Spring Recruit Skirmish
April 12th, 2025
Preregistration is required.
Limited Openings
Ask yourself these questions:
Have you ever wanted to live fire a Civil War Rifle?
Would you like to learn basic muzzle loading firearm safety?
Would you like to fire a Civil War Cannon?
Have you ever wanted to shoot firearms in competition?
The Central Virginia Region of the N-SSA is having its Spring Recruit Skirmish at Fort Shenandoah in Winchester Virginia on April 12th 2025 at 10AM.
All that is required to attend is ear and eye protection and a willingness to learn everything else will be provided. A full staff of NRA Certified Muzzle loading Instructors, Range Safety Officers and experienced Skirmishers will guide you through every step. You will be competing against other recruits in team competition. Here is how you register to attend. Email your name, address, age and phone plus the same information of any others you plan to bring with you to this address: [email protected]
480 Chalybeate Springs Rd.
Winchester, VA 22603
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