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 |
|---|---|---|---|
March 3 - 5, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | The Heights School (Private Class) | |
March 5, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
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 "Laser Engraving" | |
March 28, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | "Gourd and Pine Needle Bowl" w/Jen Nailor | |
April 2, 2026 | 6:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
April 4, 2026 | 10:00 - 3:00 | Moran Open House & Forging Demonstrations | |
April 5, 2026 | 2:00 - 6:00 | Watercolor Class with Rebecca Pearl | |
April 10 - 12, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | Beginner's Damascus Class w/ Ed Clarke | |
April 16, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
April 18, 2026 | 9:00 - Noon | Moran Shop Meeting: Wood Lined Sheaths, Tips, Throats w/Jay Hendrickson | |
April 25 - 26, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | Butch Sheely Tomahawks Class | |
May 2 - 3, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | Beginner Bladesmith Class | |
May 7, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
May 16, 2026 | Moran Family Picnic | ||
May 21, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
May 23, 2026 | Vetran's Class (Private Class) | ||
June 4, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
June 5 - 7, 2026 | Atlanta Bladeshow | ||
June 15 - 19, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing Class Week 1 with T. Poitier | |
June 18, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge -- CANCELLED! | |
June 20, 2026 | 10:00 - 4:00 | Moran Artisan & Knife Show | |
June 22 - 26, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing Class Week 2 with Tim Poitier | |
July 2, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
July 11 - 12, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | Jason Knight Class | |
July 16, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
July 18, 2026 | 9:00 - Noon | Moran Shop Meeting: Fancy Leather Tooling w/John Marshall | |
July 25, 2026 | Introduction to Wood Carving class with Jim Hiser | ||
July 31 - Aug 2, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | Handles & Guards class w/Ed Clarke | |
August 6, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
August 8, 2026 | Vetran's Class (Private Event) | ||
August 15, 2026 | 9:00 - Noon | Moran Shop Meeting: Engraving w/Matt Stagmer | |
August 20, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
September 3, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
September 5 - 6, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | Beginner Bladesmith Class | |
Steptember 12, 2026 | 10:00 - 4:00 | Frederick "In the Streets" | |
September 17, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
September 19, 2026 | 9:00 - Noon | Moran Shop Meeting: Restoring and preserving Leather | |
September 26, 2026 | 10:00 - 3:00 | Moran Open House & Forging Demonstrations | |
October 1, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
October 12 - 16, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing Class Week 1 | |
October 15, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge CANCELLED! | |
October 17, 2026 | 10:00 - 4:00 | The 11th Annual William F. Moran All-Forged Knife Show & Auction | |
October 19 - 23, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | ABS Introduction to Bladesmithing Class Week 2 | |
October 31, 2026 | Vetran's Class (Private Event) | ||
November 5, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
November 7 - 8, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | Beginner Bladesmith Class | |
November 19, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
November 21, 2026 | 9:00 - Noon | Moran Shop Meeting: Coal Forging w/Ed Clarke | |
December 3, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
December 4 - 6, 2026 | 9:00 - 5:00 | The "Grinch Slayer" | |
December 12, 2026 | 10:00 - 4:00 | Museums by Candlelight Open House and Forging Demonstrations | |
December 17, 2026 | 5:00 - 9:00 | Open Forge | |
December 19, 2026 | 9:00 - Noon | Moran Shop Meeting: TBD |
