This weekend, the town of Negaunee in Michigan's Upper Peninsula will be filled with the sound of wheezing bellows and ringing hammers hitting anvils.
The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is holding its Artisans at the Forge festival, which includes blacksmiths and other craftspeople.
Troy Henderson, a local historian who works with the museum, joined Stateside to explain the history of the festival and the activities it has lined up for attendees.
The iron range means a lot to Negaunee, Michigan. Since the 1840s, it has had a significant impact on the area’s economy.
The first iron mined in the Lake Superior region came from the nearby Carp River Forge. It signified to Michigan, and the region, that there was high-grade iron in the area.
Henderson said this weekend's festival has activities that should appeal to all ages, including some 19th century games for kids.
Doors at the museum are open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To hear more, listen above.
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