Museum hosting muzzleloader exhibit with local gunsmith on hand Saturday

Billy Vietor in front of his workshop

Courtesy photo

Do you have grandpa’s squirrel gun squirrelled away in the attic? Do you have a powder horn saved from the trashman? Have you started a muzzleloader gunsmithing project, but ran into an issue? Do you have some “shambles” that you need advice about? Are you curious about how our ancestors put meat on the table?

In conjunction with the Putnam County Museum exhibit about Reelsville’s master muzzleloading gunsmith Billy Vietor, local gunsmith Howard Kendall will be at the museum to talk, advise and identify shooting- and hunting-related items on Saturday, May 14 at 11 a.m.

Kendall has smithed his own muzzleloaders and built a few under the tutelage of Billy Vietor.

On display currently at the museum are many of Vietor’s handcrafted patterns, tools and molds and a selection of his beautifully crafted firearms. This exhibit has been made possible with the help of Vietor’s family and local muzzleloading enthusiasts.

Persons can preregister for this event by calling the museum at 653-8419 if you are interested in bringing an item for identification or need further information.

The Putnam County Museum is located at 1105 N. Jackson St. in Greencastle.