Blacksmith Shop

Blacksmith Shop.

We have on the museum grounds a complete working blacksmith shop. Tours of the shop and narration and demonstration with local “in residence” blacksmith can be arranged with the museum tour coordinator.

Mike the Blacksmith at the forge.

This is a fully functioning and/or participation exhibit and may be added to your guided tour schedule – Contact museum tour coordinator for details.

05-10-2011

NEW “OLD” Things (08-10-2012)

On Tuesday August 7, 2012 Mariposa Museum and History Center (MMHC) took deliver of a 9600 pound "Chilean Mill" and a 12 inch Hendy Foundry "Jaw Crusher". These were the last remaining artifacts from the "Sweetwater Mine" that through government and museum efforts we were able to rescue from damage or destruction from "scavenger/scrappers" (illegal metal thieves)....

We now are proudly the custodians of the 10,000 pound Stamp Mill (in parts) the Steam Engine that powered it, the "Chilean Mill" and Jaw Crusher from the Sweetwater Mine.

Thanks to efforts of Museum directors Mike Wenrich. Ed Drechsler and Ron Loya and Board President Sylvia Emery and the many others who have been instrumental in this acquisition, we are able to preserve this invaluable piece of Mariposa Mining history.

This acquisition completes the last of four remaining "ore reduction" machines from the mine.

Everyone is invited to stop by and see the reassembly of these artifacts and progress on this and other (ongoing restoration) displays.

Donation of labor and large tools and maybe a crane and backhoe and financial support to assist in reassembly and preservation of these antiquities would be appreciated. IF you wish to help in any way please contact the Museum and/or a Board of Directors member.

And for those who care, Mondays are a general volunteer work day to maintain grounds and antiquities, all volunteers welcome. Day usually start around 9:00 am. Unfortunately for us, the local donut shop is closed on Mondays, so you are on your own for coffee and donuts.