The team of the Regional Ethnographic Museum in Plovdiv is adding a new date to its calendar—the birthday of the iron—and is preparing a true celebration in honor of one of the most important household appliances: the iron. The event will take place on June 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the museum’s new exhibition, The World of the Iron, which presents the history, development, and diversity of this indispensable household helper.

A special guest at the event will be the legendary television host Petar Vuchkov, known to generations of Bulgarians from the iconic quiz show A Minute Is a Long Time. Few people know that one of his greatest hobbies is collecting irons. He will present part of his impressive collection to visitors, including a rare Belgian lace iron—a remarkable testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of past eras.

The festive program will also feature young talents from the Divizi House of Musical Wonders, who will contribute to the cheerful atmosphere. Among the special guests will be the nation’s beloved humorist Dimitar Tudjarov – Shkumbata, who is sure to have prepared a joke or two dedicated to the evening’s main star—the iron.

The occasion is linked to an important date in the history of technology. On June 6, 1882, American inventor Henry W. Seeley received a patent for the first electric iron. His invention marked the beginning of a new era in household work. Before that, ironing was done using heavy metal irons heated on stoves or filled with hot coals—a process that was slow, inconvenient, and often dangerous. Seeley’s electric iron used an electrically heated element, providing a more consistent temperature and significantly easing household chores. Although the first models were still far from today’s appliances, they laid the foundations for the technological developments that eventually led to the modern steam irons we know today.

The museum event will offer visitors not only the opportunity to explore fascinating exhibits and rare collections but also to learn more about the history of an object that has been an integral part of daily life for millions of people around the world for more than a century and a half.

“We invite all enthusiasts of history, technology, and good spirits to become part of this unusual celebration dedicated to the appliance that continues to ensure a flawless appearance in every household,” commented Grozdelina Georgieva, curator at the museum.