Tinsmith and Metal Work

Metalwork has been taking place in the Colonies from the beginning. Some local artisans are keeping that tradition, along with a variety of other craftsmanship skills, alive with both traditional and creative products.

Tinsmithing was common throughout the United States in the 19th century, and in the Amana Colonies Tinsmiths provided the over 50 Communal Kitchens with various cooking wares including cake pans, cookie cutters, buckets, and more. Several artisans brought the craft into the 21st century creating both new and traditional tin items. The Amana Arts Guild offers a variety of educational classes throughout the year, including tinsmithing. Tin works can be found in several store locations in the Amana Colonies, including the Amana Arts Guild’s Gallery across from the Amana Visitors Center, and the Amana Heritage Museum Gift Shop and High Amana General Store.

Woodworking has always been part of the Amana culture, communal era men generally had a workbench in their homes. This tradition continues today as you’ll find smaller wooden items in many of the shops. The Creative Colony on Amana’s main street is dedicated to locally made crafts. The Amana Furniture Shop, also located in the village of Amana, and Schanz Furniture, located just east of South Amana, carry on woodworking and furniture making traditions. Furniture and clocks are made on the premises and you can view the craftsmen at work.

At the newest Amana Heritage Society museum site, the Homestead Folk Art Museum, you will find exhibits featuring the cultural heritage of this craftsmanship and more artistic traditions.