When visitors step into the Matthew Edel Blacksmith Shop today, they are transported back in time to more than a century ago — a time when the small town of Haverhill, Iowa, was a thriving market town, the nation relied on horsepower and everyday tools and items were repaired rather than replaced. A skilled blacksmith, German immigrant Matthew Edel owned the shop from 1883 until his death in 1940. He also was an inventor with an extraordinary sense for creating machines and tools, some of which he patented. Today, it's rare to find such a complete and original shop open to visitors, kept just as he left it the day he died.
- State Historic Site History
- Guide with Site Activities, Vocabulary Words, Reading Recommendations and More
- Iowa's Connection to the World: Use this primary source set to view photos, videos, documents and more of innovators and inventors from Iowa that have had an impact on the world with their research and creations.
| Expedition Activities |
| + Word Search Puzzle + Goldie at Home Activity: Become an Inventor + Video: Explore Matthew Edel's Blacksmith Shop + Video: Learn to Blacksmith at the Matthew Edel Blacksmith Shop + Matthew Edel: General Blacksmithing and Master of Specialties |
