Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites

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1750 Smithy


Smithy © Paul S. Bartholomew 1110018-2

Discover the treasured art of metalworking at Bethlehem's functioning 1750 Smithy; where blacksmiths used their skill to create tools for the Moravians.

About the 1750 Smithy

Blacksmithing was one of the most important trades in Colonial America, since smiths made or repaired tools, kitchen utensils, weapons, agricultural implements, and household items. The Smithy was built in 1750 expanded in 1761 and a second floor added. The Smithy had workrooms and forges for the nailsmith, locksmith, blacksmith, tinsmith, gunsmith, and gunstock maker.

The building stood until the early 20th century when it was dismantled and converted into brownstone dwellings which were later demolished. In 2004, the Smithy was reconstructed of limestone taken from a local 1700s barn being torn down, and was built on the foundations of the original smithy, thanks to detailed records kept by the Moravians and stored in the Moravian Archives.

The original vaulted cistern is intact. An archaeological report, tools, and metal objects made in the 18th-century smithy are in the Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites collection. Today, the Smithy is an historic site where trained blacksmiths demonstrate the skills needed to work in a 1700s blacksmith shop.

Smithy © Paul S. Bartholomew 0910066-2

Plan Your Visit

GO ON A TOUR

  • Friday - Sunday: 11am - 4pm
  • Monday - Thursday: By Appointment
  • Blacksmithing 101: classes offered
    For current Blacksmithing 101 class schedule call 1-800-360-TOUR or email Keith Sten.

Create a custom tour to see more of what Bethlehem has to offer.

BECOME A MEMBER

Thousands of people have walked these streets, farmed these lands, built these buildings and industries. Thousands of stories, thousands of lives to cherish.

Join a community of people who share our mission to preserve:

  • 20 historic structures
  • 60,000+ collections and artifacts
  • 3 centuries of rich history

Take Your Visit Further

Step back in time and celebrate your child's birthday at the Smithy.

Historic Bethlehem Blacksmith

Get hands on experience with Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites Blacksmithing 101 class.

Paul S. Bartholomew smithy0910214

Need Directions?

Start your visit by stopping by our Visitor Center.

Order your tour tickets, gather information, and shop in the museum store!

HBMS Sponsor County of Northampton Pennsylvania

*The Smithy is funded in part by the Northampton County Hotel Tax grant.

Get your Insiders Guide!

Original Cover Historic Moravian Bethlehem Book

Everything you need you know
about the Smithy and more!

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74 West Broad Street, Suite 310, Bethlehem, PA 18018 | Phone: 610-882-0450 | FAX: 610-882-0460 | [email protected]

Historic Bethlehem Partnership, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Registration and financial information about Historic Bethlehem Partnership, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999, or on the web at www.dos.state.pa.us. Registration does not imply endorsement.