Blacksmithing is one of the most ancient craftmanships in the world. About 3000 AD, the art of Blacksmithing is already being recorded. The craftsmanship did not only contribute to the development of hunting and fishing gear, but also stimulated the improvement of tools and weapons. Therefore, the art of Blacksmithing is renowned.

However, the industrialisation that started at the beginning of the 20th century, made the art of Blacksmithing lose its appearance. Although there were still 13 blacksmith shops in Hellendoorn at the beginning of this century, one blacksmith's fire after the other soon was soon put out for good.

Jan Broeze, son of a blacksmith and a very talented blacksmith himself too, regrets the fact that the craftsmanship of Blacksmithing is about to become extinct.

He succeded in assembling an enthusiastic group of people that would support the art of Blacksmithing. In 1989, the foundation of D'Oale Smederie (a Dutch dialect for The Ancient Blacksmith shop) is a fact. This foundation is to relive the ancient craftmanship of Blacksmithing and to demonstrate the art of Blacksmithing to the public.
Thanks to financial and material donations of many supporters, a historic rolling-stock depot could be renovated and turned into a Blacksmith shop. On Friday April 2, 1995, the museum, located at the Hofmanstraat in Hellendoorn, officially opened its doors for the first time.