On Saturday, February 25th, the Savannah community is invited to attend an artisan blacksmithing demonstration from 10 am to 4 pm at Georgia State Railroad Museum. Blacksmiths from across the Southeast will be showcasing their craft and fabricating items for purchase in the blacksmith shop.

"Blacksmithing is often not a subject many people associate with railroads, but because we still have an 1850s railroad Blacksmith Shop on site at Georgia State Railroad Museum, we have a unique opportunity to highlight this element of industrial history,” said Emily Beck, Manager of Interpretation at Coastal Heritage Society. “If we think about historically how many forged items would have been needed for building, railroad construction, shipbuilding, and everyday life, it is easy to see how blacksmiths would have played an extremely important role in keeping these industries functioning.” 

The expert metalsmith artists will be sharing a variety of designs using just the Old World tools of fire, anvil and hammer to create their masterpieces. Please note that while many of the items will be available for purchase, most sales are cash only. The day-long event is included in the cost of general admission at Georgia State Railroad Museum, $10 for adults and $6 for children ages 2 to 12 years of age. This event is free for Coastal Heritage Society members.

In addition to experiencing “Irons in the Fire,” the entire Georgia State Railroad Museum site will be open for exploration, so visitors are encouraged to walk through the historic railcars, experience the handcar and go on a guided site tour by train.