The Wilder Museum is considered a Warren County “hidden gem”—a treasure trove of over 4,000 artifacts about Warren County history. It was the brainchild of Robert Wilder, former CEO of the National Forge Company, who conceived of the idea to honor his father, Clinton Wilder. On Wednesday, September 24, the museum will host its annual National Forge Open House from 6-8 PM with free admission to all.

Clinton Wilder founded the National Forge and Tool Company in 1915 in Erie, PA. The business soon outgrew its facilities, prompting the purchase of the Irvine Steel Forge Company and the relocation of the company headquarters to Irvine, PA, in 1917.

The company became a leading manufacturer for crankshaft, pipe mold, and defense markets. Acquired by Ellwood in 2003, the company rebranded as Ellwood National Forge and remains one of the primary employers in the county.

Following Robert Wilder’s death in 1995, the museum passed to the Warren County Historical Society, which maintains the building and artifacts. It has grown to 15 exhibit rooms, but one of the largest remains the National Forge Room, a section dedicated to the history of the National Forge with not-to-be-missed displays such as a WWII-era 37 MM anti-tank gun, a torpedo, and Robert Wilder’s 1963 Mercedes Benz.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome and all proceeds will benefit the museum. The Wilder Museum’s 2025 season will conclude on Saturday, October 11. Fall hours are Friday and Saturday from 1-5 PM. For more information, please call 814-723-1795, visit www.warrenhistory.org, or like the Wilder Museum’s FB page.