What a gem of a place. The foundation has managed to combine artifacts of the Burden Iron Works along with those of other industries located in Troy. All of those great Victorian buildings you see in town...they were built using the money these industries generated.
The passion of the docent was evident in the tour. I was fascinated by the horseshoe machine model... in 1835 it could form 60 horseshoes a minute! The bell keyboard and bells along with are very interesting. When I checked my watch at the end of the tour I expected to find I spent an hour there... actually I spent two hours it was that interesting.

What a gem! A collection of various displays of industries using metal and iron over the last two centuries. The trustee/docent was extremely knowledgeable as well as part of the group that saved the building and accumulated the artifacts. We spent about two hours and could have learned more.

The Burden Iron Works Museum is a unique display of industrial history in Troy, NY. The building the museum is housed in was the former headquarters of the Burden Iron Works, one of the largest factories in the US when it was in operation. The museum displays not only local artifacts from Burden, but also Troy’s many other industries.
Some of the more unique artifacts on display include the world’s first rototiller, which was made in Troy. Clothing and textiles from the former Cluett, Peabody, & Company can also be found in the museum. An array of wood stoves that were manufactured in Troy can also be seen here. Meneely Bells from Troy and Watervliet are also on display.
Many of the creations of Henry Burden are seen in the museum. Perhaps, the most unique fact about Burden was that his factory could manufacture one horseshoe every second. There is a model of the famous Waterwheel that he created to power his factory in the museum. The waterwheel which no longer stands, was the largest in the world and inspired the creation of the Ferris wheel.
The museum is currently being renovated and improved. The museum does a great job explaining industrial history. The staff was friendly and did a great job on the tour. The museum asks for a donation upon entrance. If you have a chance, take a tour of the factory.

We had a fantastic tour with the Director of the museum, and we learned so much about the industrial history of Troy. She made it interesting, even for someone not really "into" history! We will be back the next time we're in this area to check out new exhibits. Be sure to check the times they are open, and ring the doorbell!

Very nice little museum with a kind gentleman that gives tours. Only issue is the nasty old lady that works there - please keep her in the office, she does not seem fit to deal with children.