On Saturday, September 10, 2022, the historic trades are coming to life, at The Sawmill Museum, 2231 Grant Street, in Clinton, IA. Throughout the day from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., various trades will be set up throughout the museum giving demonstrations.
Those featured will be Medd Metalworks, showing the blacksmith trade. Quad City Woodturners will display the lathe trade. The museum’s sawmill will be running throughout the day, as well. The Alt family and friends will have rope making opportunities; visitors can make their own rope.
(Editor’s note: This photo was taken at Heritage Canyon, Fulton, IL, and does not represent the Alt family.)
All ages are welcomed, and kids are encouraged. Each station provides interaction, and the rope making is hands-on for kids. No reservations are needed.
“The setup is that as you tour the museum, and there will be the demonstrations. My favorite part is always the conversations. You have someone looking for a technical answer, standing next to someone, like me, who needs to know how to correctly bring the hammer down, without causing Blacksmith elbow,” said Director Matthew Parbs.
Demonstrations are included in regular museum admission fee. The program is a result of the Iowa of Department of Cultural Affairs Cultural Leadership Partnership program.
The Sawmill Museum is open seven days a week and can be reached at 563-242-0343. For more information, visit www.thesawmillmuseum.org or visit facebook.com/TheSawmillMuseum.