Welcome!
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The William F. Moran, Jr. Museum & Foundation honors the legacy, craftsmanship, and traditions of forging and knife making that Bill Moran helped ignite. The Foundation maintains and operates Moran’s original shop in Middletown, Maryland, as both a museum and a working forge. Through the W.F. Moran Bladesmith & Artisan Academy, we offer instruction in forging, knife making, and a variety of artisan disciplines. Our membership cultivates a vibrant community united by a shared passion for forging, knifemaking and a commitment to advancing the craft.
Find us!
Easy access from the DC/Baltimore area, and a short drive from local airports!
Open Forge Time!
The first and third Thursday of each month is Open Forge at the W.F. Moran Bladesmith & Artisan Academy. You must be a member and qualified to operate the equipment. Please note that all safety and usage rules apply during the event.
A Bill Moran knife will be on display at
Edgeworks Knife & Supply
200 N. Market St., Frederick, MD 21701
Check back Frequently to see new Moran Knives!
Click on the QR code at Edgeworks for special information.
Have you ever wondered about Bill Moran's Inspiration?
Bill Moran’s personal library has been carefully documented and cataloged to illuminate the sources that shaped his creative vision. The collection is available for in‑person viewing by request at the W.F. Moran Bladesmith & Artisan Academy.
Click the bookshelf to browse the contents of the library!
Surfing the site...
If you are a paid member, please use the Login/Sign up link at the top of the page to create your website account. You won't have access to the "Members Only" pages without this account! You must be a paid member of the W.F Moran Museum & Foundation to receive access to Members' pages. If you have any issues with your access, please contact us.
Member's Blackboard
Please Note:
All Open Forge sessions are for qualified members of The William F. Moran Museum & Foundation who are trained in the Safety, Use and Maintenance of each machine (no exceptions). We do offer and encourage visitors to come and observe at these events.
Monthly "Moran Shop Meetings" are open to all visitors of all ages on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 AM - Noon.
Upcoming Events
Date(s) | Time | Event | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
January 31,2026 | 9:00 | Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast POSTPONED | |
February 5, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
February 6 - 8, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | Hidden Tang Knife Class w/Ed Clarke | |
February 15, 2026 | 2:00 - 5:30 | Rebecca Pearl watercolor still life painting | |
February 19, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
February 21, 2026 | 9:00 - Noon | Moran Shop Meeting/Open Forge w/Sean Norris "Sharpening & Equipment" | |
March 3 - 5, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | The Heights School | |
March 7 - 8, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | Beginner Bladesmith Class | |
March 19, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
March 21, 2026 | 9:00 - Noon | Moran Shop Meeting/Open Forge w/Justin Richwagen "Lazer Engraving" | |
March 28, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | Veterans Class | |
May 2 - 3, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | Beginner Bladesmith Class | |
June 20, 2026 | 10:00 - 4:00 | Moran Artisan & Knife Show | |
September 5 - 6, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | Beginner Bladesmith Class | |
November 7 - 8, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | Beginner Bladesmith Class | |
December 4 - 6, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | The "Grinch Slayer" |
