As part of our 70th Anniversary celebration, Essex Historical Society announces a blacksmith demonstration on Saturday, July 26 from 1 - 4pm at Pratt House—to showcase the trade that sustained the Pratt family. 

Pratt House is Essex’s only historic house museum and home to nine generations of the Pratt family, many of whom were blacksmiths.  Local blacksmith Baird Welch-Collins will demonstrate historic blacksmithing techniques to illustrate the workmanship that skilled tradespeople such as the Pratts contributed to a Connecticut seaport town.

Visitors may also enjoy the FREE tours of Pratt House, where knowledgeable guides provide information on the home’s history and you can explore rotating exhibits featuring objects from the EHS’s collections and archives. While on the grounds, please enjoy Pratt’s barn, kitchen garden and pollinator garden. This family-friendly program is FREE to the public and welcomes donations. Registration NOT required.

Blacksmith, Baird Welch-Collins, showcasing his craft at other events.