Nov 14
Saturday
5:00 to 9:00 PM
A Humanitas family evening
Forged & Composed Live
An evening of fire, music, and wonder for the whole family. Watch iron take shape at the forge, hear students fill a hall with strings, and share a long-table supper with families who believe education should make children more fully human.
Free for families. Seats are limited.
Franklin, TN
A historic hall
Address sent with your invitation
Free
For the whole family
Children of every age welcome
Why we're gathering
Children were made to wonder
So much of modern schooling asks children to hurry. This night asks them to stop, look, and listen. Every room is built around one simple idea: when children meet real things made with skill and love, curiosity wakes up on its own. Come see what a truly human education looks like up close.
A glimpse of the evening
What wonder looks like
Strings tuning in a sunlit room. A book open on a quiet table. Children running out the door because they can't wait to tell someone what they learned.
Strings in the morning light 
The reading room 
Joy, unhurried 
Learning at home 
Families at the center 
Seeing it for yourself
Three rooms, one evening
Wander, watch, and take part
The Forge
A working smith shapes iron by hand, and children help strike the anvil. Inspired by our Forged podcast on timeless ways of making.
The Music Hall
Student musicians and a guest conductor show how a hundred small disciplines become one beautiful sound. Inspired by Composed.
The Story Room
Classical teachers read aloud from the great books and lead short, lively discussions children are welcome to join.
Saturday, November 14
The shape of the night
Doors and warm cider
5:00
Arrive, find your name card, and settle in by the fire.
The three rooms open
5:45
Move freely between the Forge, the Music Hall, and the Story Room.
Long-table supper
7:00
A simple harvest meal shared family style, with good questions on every table.
Candlelight finale
8:15
The student orchestra closes the evening by candlelight.
Formation in every season
The life we're celebrating
Students at work 
Read aloud, together 
The music we'll play 
Writing is thinking 
For the parents asking big questions
Good to know
Questions families ask
Is this for families new to classical education?
Yes, especially. You don't need to know anything about classical education to come. Bring your curiosity and your kids.
What ages is the evening best for?
Every room is designed so a five-year-old and a fifteen-year-old can both enjoy it. Little ones are welcome, and there's a quiet corner for naps.
Does it really cost nothing?
Yes. Supper and every activity are free, thanks to friends of the Humanitas Institute. We just ask you to reserve so we can set a place for you.
Is the forge safe for children?
Our smith works behind a safety rail, and children only help strike the anvil with a guide right beside them.
Where exactly is it?
A historic hall in Franklin, Tennessee. We'll send the address, parking notes, and a short welcome letter with your invitation.
Seats are limited
Save your family's seat
Leave your email and we'll send your invitation, the address, and everything you need for a wonderful night together.