Hello Jmsprad,
I'm a member of the Central Virginia Blacksmith Guild. I'm sure that you would find knowledge at our meetings. We have hands on sessions where someone demos and then passes the tongs on to whomever wants to try. You should come to a few of our meetings and see for yourself. Our meetings are the 2nd Saturday each month. Most communications seem to be on FB these days. Please search for us there to find the next meeting location and to see what else has been going on. See you there!