Blacksmithing Weekend at The Farmers' Museum

Take a tour of the museum’s extensive tool collection and hear the story behind it at 11:00am and 2:00pm in the Main Barn. The collection, known as the Tradesman’s Tool Chest, depicts the various trades that were vital in rural life in the 19th century. In addition to the Blacksmith, a number of other tradesmen worked metal into products required by New Yorkers in  the 1800’s.  Specialized skills were used to cast iron stove parts and hardware, craft sheet metal household utensils, and forge and cut nails and files. In 1942, the Museum acquired the collection of William B. Sprague, the first president of the Early American Industries Association Board, who had been collecting and preserving craft tools throughout the Northeast since the 1920s. Sprague’s materials form the core of an extensive collection of 19th and early-20th century tools at The Farmers’ Museum and many are showcased in the Tradesman’s Tool Chest exhibit.

At the museum’s Lippitt Farmstead, learn about life on the farm and delight in the animals in the Children’s Barnyard. In the Main Barn, check out the exhibition The Buzz about Pollinators and our historic tool collection.  You can also take a ride on the Empire State Carousel, explore the Country Village, shop at Todd’s General Store, and visit the famous Cardiff Giant. Sit on our tavern green while you enjoy selections from The Crossroads Café.

Entry to the event is included with museum admission: $17.50 adults (13-64), $12.50 seniors (65+), $10 juniors (7-12), children 6 and younger and museum members are free. Purchase tickets at the museum on the day of the event. Free museum admission is also available for those receiving SNAP benefits (up to 4 people) with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Find out about all of the museum’s free admission offers at FarmersMuseum.org/free.