Tinsmith Convergence

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The Tin and Copper Convergence
June 22-24, 2012

Photos by Elizabeth Chalfant

The Tin and Copper Convergence is an annual 'converging' or 'coming together' of Coppersmiths, Tinkers, and Tinsmiths from every walk of life and skill level, to share their knowledge and expertise in the Historical trades of related metal working.

This year the convergence was held at Fort Boonesborough.In addition to the seminars there were some ‘hands on’ areas and one of the highlights of the conference was the Exhibition in the Museum of tin items from the William Calk Collection. The items were on loan from the Kentucky Historical Society. Calk was an early settler who made a trip to Boonesborough in 1775 and kept a journal of his trip. (The Fort Boonesborough Foundation sells a printed and annotated copy of his journal. Learn more...)


	Those attending the convergence listened to lectures and presentations in the blockhouse. To learn more about the Coppersmiths, tinkers and tinsmith visit their website at www.tintinkers.org


	In the Forge

In addition to the planned programs from the group Fort Manager Bill Farmer was delighted to find two famous blacksmiths on hand for the convergence. Pictured above is Tom Latane’ whose wife Catherine does tinwork. Latane’ was more than happy to spend time in the forge and is shown working with Art Lane and Bill Farmer of the fort.

Below he is pictured talking to Peter Ross who was the Blacksmith at Colonial Wiliamsburg from 1979-2004.


	Out back of the fort a demonstration was set up of old tools. The were set on a large wheel so that it was possible to move around the wheel and see how a project progressed from beginning to end.


	Item from the Calk Collection (on loan from the Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort)


	And a large exhibit from two private collections were on display in the Fort Museum


	About the Convergence


	Instrumental in bringing the convergence to the fort for it’s 2012 convergence was fort interpreter Shay Lelegren. He and his wife Kelly also presented a segment at the conference on Tin Canteens. In addition to working at the fort and belonging to the Tin Tinkers Group the Lelegren’s operate Hot Dip Tin.


	The original Fort Boonesborough was built by Daniel Boone and his men in 1775


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