Hopewell Furnace invites the public to join in commemorating the 84th anniversary of the park’s establishment as a National Historic Site. Programs and demonstrations will be offered throughout the day on Saturday, August 6th starting at 10am and continuing to 4pm.
Programs offered during the event include Revolutionary War era historic weapons demonstrations, examples of 19th century cooking techniques, presentations on wool production, and much more.
At 11am park volunteer colliers will light and begin the summer charcoal burn demonstrating the process for converting wood to charcoal in the 19th century. The charcoal burn will last 7 days around the clock with the conclusion occurring on Saturday, August 13th. These programs will highlight the significance the park has played both as a furnace and a site for recreation and learning.
Hopewell Furnace was established as a National Historic Site on August 3, 1938 and preserves the late 18th and early 19th century setting of an iron-making community, including the charcoal-fueled furnace, and its natural and cultural resources. This community illustrates the essential role of industrialization in the growth of the early United States. The furnace was established in 1771 by Ironmaster Mark Bird and operated as a furnace for the next 112 years.
The park’s facilities are currently open seven days a week, 9am to 5pm Hopewell Furnace is located at 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, PA 19520 about five miles south of Birdsboro, PA, off Route 345. Admission to the park is free. For more information, call 610-582-8773 or visit the park’s web site at www.nps.gov/hofu.
