Kenneth D. Kramer Blacksmith Shop

bath, MAINE

CLIENT
Maine Maritime Museum

ZACHAU'S ROLE
Construction Manager

PROJECT ARCHITECT
Theodore and Theodore

CHALLENGE MET
Recreated a historically accurate structure designed to inspire and educate modern audiences

The Maine Maritime Museum needed a single, critical building to finish their one-of-a kind historical site. They called on Zachau to recreate the blacksmith shop that would complete the full complement of structures that constitute the only remaining U.S. shipyard to produce the wooden schooners of sailing’s golden age. The resulting 84’ x 36’ structure was built from an innovative combination of wood, galvanized steel, and specialty materials. That mix allowed Zachau to create a building with a form that echoed the original shop’s purpose and shape, but one also fabricated to serve the mission of the museum. The exhibit elegantly engineered within the new shop created a welcoming space for visitors. Within that engaging space, the former forge’s maritime history now blazes brightly again.