Built circa 1864 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the blacksmith shop is the heart of the Cambria Iron National Historic Landmark, one of the oldest surviving complexes from the 19th century steel industry. The city of Johnstown is currently restoring the shop with the goal of signing a lease with a business that will resume forging operations, and allow visitors to witness the metalworking tradition that shaped the region. When completed, the shop will be a vital part of the area's culture and a national center for blacksmithing.

Growth
After Bethlehem Steel shut down their Johnstown operations in 1992, the town experienced a large out migration of population, leaving the economy struggling. With state and federal funds, the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority plans to restore the blacksmith shop, enabling it to be leased by an independent business that will resume forging operations and allow visitors to the shop to experience over 142 years of metalworking tradition.
Johnstown is seeking talented, creative blacksmiths to work individually or collaboratively in the 11,000 square foot blacksmith shop. This is a unique opportunity for artist-blacksmiths to work in a friendly town in the heart of the Pennsylvania Laurel Highlands, in one of the world's most aesthetic shop settings. Blacksmiths will have space to set up their own tools and work areas, as well as the ability to share use of the shop's equipment and air hammers.
This is not an employment offer. Although some incentives may be available, the city seeks self-sufficient blacksmiths who have an existing customer base or the ability to build one.