Chainsmiths - Museum Sichtigvor

The chain forge, reconstructed in traditional style, vividly presents the art of chain forging, which was an important source of income in the Möhnetal from 1840 to 1970. Ore deposits, charcoal and hydropower created the conditions for working with metals in the Möhnetal centuries ago. The development of the chain industry in the 19th century led to a new boom in metal processing. In addition to the industrial production of chains, the second half of the 19th century saw the emergence of a large number of small home forges with two or more forges. The blacksmiths painstakingly welded chain links by hand to make chains for agriculture and industry. Around 1900, more than 200 blacksmiths were engaged in this craft in Sichtigvor, Mülheim and Waldhausen. In 1984, the working group for the preservation of local history built a chain forge with two forge fires based on old models, which also has the character of a museum. It is a reminder of a craft that was an important source of income in the Möhnetal for decades. In 2008, the forge was extended to better accommodate visitor groups.