Green Family Forge

The forge was donated to the Trinity Historical Society in 1990 by Ada Nemec (nee Green). It came with an amazing collection of over 1500 artifacts including many pieces of equipment and tools that had been used by six generations of Greens.

Restoration began in 1992 and the forge was reopened. However it did not become operational as a living history museum until 1999.

The historic significance commemorated in the restoration of the Green Family Forge is the preservation of an industrial building that was operated by one family for over two hundred years.

The present smithy was built between 1895 and 1900. This building is unusual for that era as it is 30 feet wide, 50 feet deep and 25 feet high with a second storey along the front of the structure. This was used as a stock room and office.

At the back of the building was a tinsmith section. Here stove pipes, roof flanges, oil cans, gasoline tanks, funnels, kettles (called quicks), mixing pans, tea cans and many more items were made.

A shallow well at the back wall supplied the water needed for cooling forged items. The water was always cool clear and was a favorite place for people who visited Trinity by boat or horse and sleigh to be sure of getting a cool drink.

The space in the front was often used as an area for the horses to dry off before they were led into the main part of the forge to be shod.

Electricity did not come until 1955, so all work was done by the fire and one kerosene lamp. Work was performed by hand with as many as four blacksmiths working at the same time using the two forges. Both forges are still coal fired and the bellows are pumped by hand.

On a visit to the forge you will get a first hand look at what blacksmithing as like in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. You will also get an appreciation for the quality of work and craftsmanship that goes into every item manufactured at the forge.

The forge produces hand made products for sale in our gift shop, and at selected craft stores in Trinity and around the Province.


Season: May - Sept 30, Off season by appointment.

Location: West Street at Dandy Lane, Trinity.

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 8
Trinity, NL,
A0C 2S0

Telephone: 709-464-3599

Off Season Telephone/Fax: 709-464-3706