I tend to be a bit nomadic, but currently I hang my hat in New Hampshire. 
 

I’ve sort of taken the reins in researching and recording my family’s history/genealogy, as other family members have gotten to old or haven’t had time to devote to it. As it turns out, I’ve hit a brick wall at a 19th century blacksmith on my patrilineal line. I guess it was in doing that deep-dive that piqued my interest in the trade, and I’d like to give it a go myself. I think in doing so may also give me a better understanding of the person I’m researching. 

My ancestor’s blacksmithing work took him from Maine to San Francisco (twice, I believe), and to Minneapolis, at the very least.  The logistics of that in the mid 19th century seem pretty impressive, but I have very little idea what sort of projects he was actually involved in that would warrant that sort of coast-to-coast travel. He also found the time to join the Union army, and later the reserve (invalid) corps. 
 

The more I pour through these threads, and dive into old blacksmithing books, the more insight and understanding I gain. Now, I’m hooked. Thanks!

Cool, going to get an anvil, forge and hammer? That's how you'll know you're properly addicted.

Please let us know what you find out.

Frosty The Lucky.

As we speak. You’ll be the first to know, sir. Cheers

Welcome! Where are you in New Hampshire? (I used to live in Sugar Hill, near Franconia.)

I STRONGLY recommend you connect with the New England Blacksmiths, the local affiliate of ABANA (the Artist-Blacksmith's Association of North America), a number of whom are members here on IFI. In addition to hosting gatherings all over New England, they have a teaching center in Brentwood, NY and a lot of good educational resources. Here's their website: http://www.newenglandblacksmiths.org/

I’d guess that I’m just shy of 2 hours south of Sugar Hill, so much closer to Brentwood. Once I get my feet underneath me a bit, but before I teach myself too many bad habits, I’ll definitely give them a shout.