SYNOPSIS

Echoes of Iron: Unearthing a Blacksmith's Legacy invites viewers on an archaeological journey led by Amanda Valko and Brian Fritz, alongside volunteers of all ages, as they uncover the remnants of a 19th-century blacksmith shop in northwestern Pennsylvania.

The film delves into the critical role of blacksmiths in supporting the region’s booming lumber industry, tracing the path of virgin timber from remote forests to the rivers that carried it to Pittsburgh. Through this lens, the documentary reveals how the blacksmith’s craft fueled the rapid urbanization of Pittsburgh and shaped a transformative era in American history.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Brian Fritz is a professional archaeologist and filmmaker whose work bridges science and storytelling. Raised on a farm in rural Pennsylvania, he developed a lifelong appreciation for the land and the deep cultural histories it holds.

With decades of experience in archaeology and historic preservation, Brian brings a field-tested authenticity to his films, illuminating the lives of past peoples with clarity and care. His documentaries invite audiences to see history not as distant or forgotten, but as a vital, living part of who we are today.