Our Officers and Board Members
President Johnny C. House
Johnny is not just Hershel's youngest brother, but also an accomplished flintlock builder and knife and sheath maker in his own right. He had an exciting childhood going on camping trips with Hershel, playing in his shop, and watching Hershel make his handmade creations. Early on, Hershel recognized Johnny's remarkable skill in working with his hands and began to impart his knowledge to him.
As a proficient teacher, Johnny has helped teach alongside Hershel and his other brother Frank and has recently held a well-received sheath seminar. He focuses on forging beautiful knives and iron gun mounts, demonstrating his expertise in these areas. Johnny is also an exceptional musician, playing with his local band on the porch of the old general store he reclaimed from downtown Woodbury and reconstructed on his property.
Given his intimate knowledge of Hershel and his teaching style, Johnny brings a wealth of knowledge to the foundation. His contribution to the field of blacksmithing is invaluable, and he is an essential part of all the seminars he has taught.
Secretary Phil “Doc” Hurley
Phil’s first exposure to the “Longrifle Culture” was 2009 when he attended the CLA in Lexington, KY at the invitation of the Mills family of Owensboro, KY. They helped start the CLA. He was hooked immediately and having become a user and collector of items made by the artists of the CLA ever since.
Since 2009 was the year that the “House Brothers Handmade Longrifle” was raffled off, He heard an awful lot about Hershel, Frank, and John at that show. Phil quickly came to appreciate the reputation and respect rightly paid to each of them. It wasn’t until the 2018 CLA that Phil met Hershel in person when he stopped by his table at the CLA, and they were introduced. In 2019, he had the opportunity to buy one of Hershel’s rifles from Hal Rogers’ widow. The gun had not been used for some time and needed some minor repairs. He took the gun to Hershel, and he had it in working condition in short order. While he was working on it, Phil learned that he had some health issues. As a physician, he offered to help him with them. This doctor-patient relationship grew into a deeper friendship than he otherwise would have had with him. As such, Phil considers it an honor and a privilege to serve on the Board of his Foundation which is dedicated to the perpetuation of his legacy and the preservation of his home, workshops, and properties.
Board Member Daniel Casey
Since his youth, Daniel has been captivated by the richness of American history, which motivated him to embark on the path of becoming a skilled blacksmith. At the age of fifteen, he was fortunate enough to spend a memorable summer with the House brothers, where Hershel House imparted the art of traditional bladesmithing and rifle building to him. This exceptional experience had a profound impact on Daniel, and he forged a strong bond with Hershel.
Daniel's passion and hard work eventually led him to star in the television show, "Iron and Fire," which aired on the History Channel. The show featured Daniel's impressive blacksmithing skills and also showcased his ability to create remarkable pieces of art. In addition, he participated in the highly acclaimed competition show "Forged in Fire," where his exceptional knife-making skills were on full display.
Daniel's remarkable expertise in rifle and knife building makes him ideal for our board. We believe that his passion for our educational mission and his exceptional skills will make him an invaluable asset to our team.
Board Member Bear
A lifelong resident of Butler County, Bear first met Hershel while working on his cabins and homestead. With a wide range of hands-on skills, Bear quickly became an invaluable helping hand to Hershel, assisting with everything from home repairs to restoring old-time tractors and Hershel’s historic grist mill. Over the years, Bear has worn many hats including soldier, farmer, carpenter, and cowboy. Today he considers himself an herbalist and naturalist, devoted to traditional knowledge and self sufficiency. He began his service to the country at 18 and continues to serve his community through his craftsmanship, including handmade knives and a long rifle, his final project, which he was taught by Hershel himself.
Personally selected by Hershel to serve on the foundation board, Bear supported him in his final days with natural remedies and healing knowledge. His deep respect for the land, heritage skills, and Hershel's vision make him a vital part of the foundation's mission..
Board Member Ron Prescott
Comming Soon!
Board Member Chad Henle
Chad had the desire to build a longrifle at a young age, but he was unimpressed with the available kits. He first learned about Hershel from the local Department of Wildlife TV show Kentucky Afield, where Tim Framer interviewed Hershel in his “undisclosed man cave”. After seeing Hershel’s shop with the antique tools and deer antlers, he knew he had found the right person to learn how to build a longrifle.
In 2009, Chad attended the CLA show and saw the House brothers' rifle, which created a frenzy when auctioned off. He also participated in the NMLRA Gunsmith Seminar in 2013, where he built an early-style .54 caliber rifle, which he later used to harvest his first muzzleloading deer. Chad continued to participate in other seminars, also learning how to forge knives from Hershel, his brothers John and Frank, and Daniel Casey.
Chad is responsible for designing our t-shirts and handling our graphic design. He also built and maintains the foundation’s website. We are proud to have him as part of the foundation’s team due to his passion for learning and history, as well as his experience as a teacher and artist.
Vice President/Treasurer Rick Brown
Comming Soon!
Board Member Ian Pratt
Ian first met Hershel in the winter of 2006 during a gun seminar that was being taught by Hershel and Johnny.
At that time, Ian was already a successful full-time gunmaker, but Hershel's unique style of gun making influenced him greatly. Hershel had taken traditional Longrifle building and successfully made it his own, and Ian saw him as one of the rare gunmakers whose work was on the cutting edge of the evolution of longrifle art. This gave Ian the license to explore his own ideas and see if they would go anywhere.
As many of you know, those ideas did come to fruition and Ian has created some of the most beautiful and innovative long rifles in the contemporary Longrifle community.
Ian's creative eye and his dedication to teaching, having worked as an instructor at previous House seminars, make him a welcome addition to the foundation and anyone who has the opportunity to learn from him.
Board Member Alan Johnson
A lifelong resident of Butler County, Allan first met Hershel in 1971 while working near Hershel’s old homeplace in Morgantown. With a strong background in mechanics, Allan has spent years working on cars and engines and occasionally crafting knives by hand. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy for five years and later worked in the coal mines before retiring. Allan remembers Hershel as a man of deep authenticity "from his hospitality to his knowledge, he was real, and I loved that about him," he recalls. Their friendship and shared values led Hershel to personally invite Allan to serve on the foundation’s board.
Today, Allan is dedicated to carrying forward Hershel’s vision by expanding educational programs, restoring historic buildings while preserving their original character, and helping to establish a museum to honor the legacy and traditions Hershel held dear.
Board Member Anna Greinetz
Anna is a dedicated grant writer, skilled basket weaver, and passionate advocate for her local community. Originally from Germany, she has embraced Butler County as her home, where she and her husband are farmsteading. Her love for primitive arts and crafts began through a wilderness program, sparking a deep appreciation for both traditional and modern weaving techniques. She is captivated by the cultural richness of Appalachian basketry, working with materials like white oak and hickory bark, as well as Indigenous grass and rush weaving and German willow work. For Anna, the intersection of craft and culture is at the heart of her passion.
Though she never met Hershel in person, Anna has developed a strong sense of his warmth, artistry, and excellence through his legacy, family, friends, and artwork.