The Saratoga History Museum invites the public to see "Striking the Iron" an opportunity to step back in time. The event will take place on Sunday October 20 from 1-4. Admission is free.

A highlight of the event will be three blacksmiths demonstrating the art of blacksmithing on the patio. They will demonstrate and answer questions about blacksmithing. The blacksmith was an indispensable member of the pioneer community in the 1850s. Blacksmiths made and repaired tools used for building and farming, such as plows, scythes, and smaller hand tools. They also fashioned housewares and cooking and laundry utensils, shod horses, repaired wagons, and some crafted wagons and carriages.

Lots to do! Visitors can also visit the 1850's pioneer cottage of the McWilliams House. A costumed docent provides tours of the house. Be sure to take a look at the food utensils used in cooking. Also on hand is the one-room school house with a docent providing a glimpse of what school was like in the 1800s. The McWilliams blacksmith exhibit contains an up close look at hundreds of tools used by blacksmiths and includes interesting audiovisual films on blacksmithing. The museum has a special exhibit called “Did You Know“—with over 100 interesting and sometimes whimsical facts about Saratoga.

Light refreshments will be available.

The museum is located at 20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road in Saratoga. Go up to www.saraogahistory.com or call 408-8667-4311 for more information.

Free Activities

Explore our Pioneer Living program for 3rd-5th grades, and take a walk around Saratoga to spot Bats and Other Wildlife using these pictures.

Pioneer Living.

Bats and Other Wildlife in Saratoga.

The attached presentation gives a quick overview on the roles of a blacksmith in 1850 as well as the blacksmiths that once worked in Saratoga. The information was given in a presentation to the Saratoga Foothill Club as well as was part of a display in the Saratoga Library lobby.

Click here for the presentation: The History of Saratoga Blacksmiths

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