Waste Not, Want Not: Recycling, Repairs, and Repurposing in Historic Trades

Park Event · Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Maryland, Virginia · Sep 5, 2026 · 11:00 AM–4:30 PM

Explore how 19th-century workers recycled, repaired, and repurposed the materials they used every day. In the 19th century, workers were expected to waste as little as possible—reusing metal, cloth, tools, and even weapons rather than simply throwing things away. Come see historic trades in action: Blacksmith & Machine Shops (Industry Museum): 11:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Ready Made Clothing Shop: 1:00–4:30 p.m. Discover how yesterday’s workers turned waste into useful resources! This program is supported by the Harpers Ferry Park Association.

Source: National Park Service (public domain).