Benjamin Blacksmith Shop Visitor Information

Visitation Tips & Courtesies

Getting Around

The Benjamin Blacksmith Shop is a small shop featuring a working blacksmith, which includes some loud noises.

Our Interpretive Staff – Your Guides to the Past

As you explore the site, you will meet members of our interpretive staff. Some of these people will be dressed in historic clothing. None of our interpreters pretend to be people from the past, so feel free to approach and talk to them like you would anyone else in your daily life. We know that for some people, asking questions at museums and historic sites can feel awkward or intimidating. Don’t worry – the interpretive staff is happy to have a conversation and answer your questions! Staff will do their best to talk to you first, but we encourage you to jump in and begin a conversation. We ask that you approach the staff and your time at the site with the same level of respect and courtesy you use when visiting a friend. 

Exploring the Museum

As you explore the site, take your time and explore the building and exhibit. In addition to talking to the interpretive staff, here are a few questions to ask your self while exploring:

• What would it have been like to visit the site when it was still active? Would you have worked there? How would you spend your free time?
• Look around the building. Note the differences and similarities between what you see and what you’re used to seeing.
• Look for objects that people used in their daily lives. Find out what they were used for and where they came from. Compare them to items that we use for the same purpose today.
• Take a moment during your visit to close your eyes and identify the smells and sounds you encounter. How do the sounds and smells change at different places throughout the site? Have you heard or smelled those things at home?

Touring Time

We recommend that you plan to spend a minimum of one half hour touring the site.

Pet Friendly

Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome. A water bowl is located on the Biddle House grounds

Photography

Photography is permitted and encouraged in all areas. Professional or group photography must be approved in advance.

Electronic Devices

Please silence electronic devices during audiovisual presentations and live demonstrations.

Smoking

Benjamin Blacksmith Shop is a smoke-free site.

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