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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Bea Hensley, Blacksmith

A National Heritage Fellowship Award winner, Bea Hensley has been blacksmithing since he was a young man. Today, he and his son give demonstrations of traditional techniques to create fine ornamental ironwork.

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  • American Centuries: View from New England A large American history library of full of primary resources, curricula, and interactive activities that will inspire students to learn about the 1700's, 1800's, and 1900's.

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Born in 1919, Bea Hensley grew up in Burnsville where the forge of Daniel Boone VI, a direct descendant of the famous frontiersman, proved to be an irresistible attraction. He learned an ancient "hammer language," once common among blacksmiths. He entered blacksmithing during the transition from utilitarian to ornamental ironwork.

Bea Hensley travels with his son Mike to give blacksmithing demonstrations. He needs water and electricity at the demonstration site, and he needs an area in which he can safely heat metal for the demonstration. Mr. Hensley also offers demonstrations at his forge in Spruce Pine. Contact Bea Hensley at (828) 765-2221. His address is Route 1 Box 808 Spruce Pine, NC 28777.

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