Tinsmithing
Tinsmiths cut, shaped, and soldered tinplate (sheet iron coated with tin) to make various household items. Before the age of factory wares and plastic, tin goods were an affordable and ubiquitous material found in early American homes.
Historic Richmond Town’s Tin Shop was moved to the village campus in the 20th century, and was restored to emulate a working shop circa 1860. Using period tools and processes, Village Tinsmiths create goods such as sconces, mugs, pitchers, serving trays, reflector ovens, and more. The Tin Shop is activated during the Open Village and Summer Apprentice Program, and for living history programs throughout the year.
