The Tinsmith Museum of America was started in 2015. We incorporated March 30, 2016
That first year our museum was given a large boost from a donation by the late Charles Hartwell. He was a tinsmith at Hancock Shaker Village and Pioneer Arizona.
We received a large donation of Tinner’s tools from the fine folks at Hotdiptin.com April 1, 2016. That donation allowed us to preserve, in one place, a working tin shop for tourists to come “put their hands on” the machines. We are copying the business model of the Davistown Museum in Liberty, Maine. At that museum you can touch the collection of tools because “tools were meant to be used”.
Our humble beginnings started as a “pop up” museum, setting up in various places around the country.
In July of 2016 we published “The Complete Tinsmith & Tinman’s or Tinner’s Trade or All I know about the Art and Mystery of Tinsmithing” by Shay Lelegren. This is a wonderful resource on the history of Tinsmithing, Tools and the Tinman’s Trade.
Keep up to date with our what’s new.
Our collection has slowly grown and we are always looking to add to the museum. If you would like to sell any pre-1870 items or would just like information about them contact us. Email staff @ tinsmithmuseum.com. If you would like to buy we reccomend Tinsmith.us