The blacksmith provided one of the most important services in the community, making or repairing nearly everything that was made of iron. While many blacksmith shops were larger, this replica is typical of the smaller, one-man shops found on farms. Members of the New York State Designer Blacksmiths perform demonstrations for visitors.
Although this building is a reconstruction and does not need restoration or preservation work, the cost associated with maintaining the Blacksmith Shop as a working, interactive exhibit can be expensive. Your support will help Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village accomplish a number of short and long-range goals surrounding the smithy. We would like to use the Blacksmith Shop as a center for learning and as a manufacturing site which will create tools and other products that can be used throughout the village and museum.
The annual cost associated with the maintenance and upkeep of the shop is $20,000. This also includes updates that need to be made, supplies, and other components needed to run a smithy. This cost also includes desired projects needed to meet Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village's goals as an educational center. A five year pledge of $4,000 is needed to better care for the structure, interpret the shop, and align Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village with the New York State Core Curriculum for our visiting classroom students. Such supported projects will also directly increase admission numbers and help the museum become a self-sustaining center for learning and tourism.
If you are interested in sponsoring The Blacksmith Shop, please complete the form below.