Orientation Talk

Ranger-led Weekend Orientation Programs at Visitor CenterWeekends, Saturday, April 6 through Sunday, May 26 (Staff Permitting)Orientation Program talks offered at the top of each hour between 10:00am and 4:00pm, duration 10-15 minutes. Program dependent on weather and s......More

Ranger-led Weekend Orientation Programs at Visitor CenterWeekends, Saturday, April 6 through Sunday, May 26 (Staff Permitting)Orientation Program talks offered at the top of each hour between 10:00am and 4:00pm, duration 10-15 minutes. Program dependent on weather and staffing.Hopewell Furnace showcases an early American landscape of industrial operations from 1771-1883, Hopewell and other iron communities laid the foundation for the transformation of the United States into an industrial giant for the time. The park's 848 acres and historic structures illustrate the business, technology and lifestyle of our growing nation.  Coming later in May: Daily Orientation Programs at Visitor Center Sunday, May 26 - Sunday, September 1 Offered on an Hourly Basis Between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (staff permitting)

Behind Visitor Center, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

Orientation Talk

Ranger-led Weekend Orientation Programs at Visitor CenterWeekends, Saturday, April 6 through Sunday, May 26 (Staff Permitting)Orientation Program talks offered at the top of each hour between 10:00am and 4:00pm, duration 10-15 minutes. Program dependent on weather and s......More

Ranger-led Weekend Orientation Programs at Visitor CenterWeekends, Saturday, April 6 through Sunday, May 26 (Staff Permitting)Orientation Program talks offered at the top of each hour between 10:00am and 4:00pm, duration 10-15 minutes. Program dependent on weather and staffing.Hopewell Furnace showcases an early American landscape of industrial operations from 1771-1883, Hopewell and other iron communities laid the foundation for the transformation of the United States into an industrial giant for the time. The park's 848 acres and historic structures illustrate the business, technology and lifestyle of our growing nation.  Coming later in May: Daily Orientation Programs at Visitor Center Sunday, May 26 - Sunday, September 1 Offered on an Hourly Basis Between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (staff permitting)

Behind Visitor Center, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

Orientation Talk

Ranger-led Weekend Orientation Programs at Visitor CenterWeekends, Saturday, April 6 through Sunday, May 26 (Staff Permitting)Orientation Program talks offered at the top of each hour between 10:00am and 4:00pm, duration 10-15 minutes. Program dependent on weather and s......More

Ranger-led Weekend Orientation Programs at Visitor CenterWeekends, Saturday, April 6 through Sunday, May 26 (Staff Permitting)Orientation Program talks offered at the top of each hour between 10:00am and 4:00pm, duration 10-15 minutes. Program dependent on weather and staffing.Hopewell Furnace showcases an early American landscape of industrial operations from 1771-1883, Hopewell and other iron communities laid the foundation for the transformation of the United States into an industrial giant for the time. The park's 848 acres and historic structures illustrate the business, technology and lifestyle of our growing nation.  Coming later in May: Daily Orientation Programs at Visitor Center Sunday, May 26 - Sunday, September 1 Offered on an Hourly Basis Between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (staff permitting)

Behind Visitor Center, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

Historic Baseball at French Creek

Step back in time and watch baseball as it would have been played in the 1860s-- as the community of Hopewell Furnace would have understood the game. This free, family friendly event will educate visitors on how baseball has transformed into the game we understand today......More

Step back in time and watch baseball as it would have been played in the 1860s-- as the community of Hopewell Furnace would have understood the game. This free, family friendly event will educate visitors on how baseball has transformed into the game we understand today. We will have a brief program discussing the overview of the 1864 rules at 11:30am. At 12:00pm, sit back and relax as the Athletic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia takes on team Hopewell Furnace in a full nine inning, 1864-style game! Bring your favorite lawn chair or a blanket as there is not seating near the field. For questions, please contact the Hopewell Furnace Visitor Center by calling 610-582-8773

Event takes place at French Creek State Park, 843 Park Road, Elverson PA 19520

Orientation Talk

Ranger-led Weekend Orientation Programs at Visitor CenterWeekends, Saturday, April 6 through Sunday, May 26 (Staff Permitting)Orientation Program talks offered at the top of each hour between 10:00am and 4:00pm, duration 10-15 minutes. Program dependent on weather and s......More

Ranger-led Weekend Orientation Programs at Visitor CenterWeekends, Saturday, April 6 through Sunday, May 26 (Staff Permitting)Orientation Program talks offered at the top of each hour between 10:00am and 4:00pm, duration 10-15 minutes. Program dependent on weather and staffing.Hopewell Furnace showcases an early American landscape of industrial operations from 1771-1883, Hopewell and other iron communities laid the foundation for the transformation of the United States into an industrial giant for the time. The park's 848 acres and historic structures illustrate the business, technology and lifestyle of our growing nation.  Coming later in May: Daily Orientation Programs at Visitor Center Sunday, May 26 - Sunday, September 1 Offered on an Hourly Basis Between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (staff permitting)

Behind Visitor Center, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

Orientation Talk

Ranger-led Weekend Orientation Programs at Visitor CenterWeekends, Saturday, April 6 through Sunday, May 26 (Staff Permitting)Orientation Program talks offered at the top of each hour between 10:00am and 4:00pm, duration 10-15 minutes. Program dependent on weather and s......More

Ranger-led Weekend Orientation Programs at Visitor CenterWeekends, Saturday, April 6 through Sunday, May 26 (Staff Permitting)Orientation Program talks offered at the top of each hour between 10:00am and 4:00pm, duration 10-15 minutes. Program dependent on weather and staffing.Hopewell Furnace showcases an early American landscape of industrial operations from 1771-1883, Hopewell and other iron communities laid the foundation for the transformation of the United States into an industrial giant for the time. The park's 848 acres and historic structures illustrate the business, technology and lifestyle of our growing nation.  Coming later in May: Daily Orientation Programs at Visitor Center Sunday, May 26 - Sunday, September 1 Offered on an Hourly Basis Between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (staff permitting)

Behind Visitor Center, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

Sheep Shearing Day

Hopewell Furnace invites you to attend its annual sheep shearing day on Saturday, May 11. Event is held rain or shine. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe both 21st and 19th century techniques for shearing sheep.  Along with these demonstrations, park staff an......More

Hopewell Furnace invites you to attend its annual sheep shearing day on Saturday, May 11. Event is held rain or shine. Visitors will have the opportunity to observe both 21st and 19th century techniques for shearing sheep.  Along with these demonstrations, park staff and volunteers will be present to discuss and demonstrate fiber arts. Stop by the Kids Table to play historic games, attend story time, and participate in craft activities. Ask about our special Sheep Shearing Day Junior Ranger Book!Free event and family friendly. List of activities:-Charcoal Making demonstration will start at 11:00 with the lighting of the charcoal pit. -Sheep will be sheared individually starting at 11:30.-Living history demonstrators will be stationed throughout the site showcasing the processing, dying and spinning of wool. -Junior Ranger activities will be hosted across the creek near tenant house one.-A special wool felt craft station will be set up inside tenant house one. Make your own wool art to take home! (Note: this activity involves sharp needles and as a safety precaution, parents should help supervise any children interested in this activity).All event stations will be closing at 4 PM.Any questions? Give us a call at 610-582-8773 

Charcoal Making Demonstration

Join us for the spring charcoal burn, which demonstrates the historic process for converting wood to charcoal in the 19th century. When Hopewell Furnace was in blast, colliers made and transported charcoal from a wide area around Hopewell Furnace, often many miles away.......More

Join us for the spring charcoal burn, which demonstrates the historic process for converting wood to charcoal in the 19th century. When Hopewell Furnace was in blast, colliers made and transported charcoal from a wide area around Hopewell Furnace, often many miles away. Before the widespread use of fossil fuels, charcoal provided the intense heat needed for making and working with iron and steel. Throughout the surrounding forest, from May through November, men lived and worked in the woods making charcoal for Hopewell Furnace. These workers were called colliers.At 11:00 a.m. on May 11th, park volunteer colliers will light and begin the charcoal burn. The burn will last seven days around the clock, concluding on Saturday, May 18. During this time, visit the collier pit to speak to volunteer colliers about the historic trade and what life was like for a collier. 

Charcoal pit along Horseshoe Trail

Bird Walk for World Migratory Bird Day

Come celebrate World Migratory Bird day by taking a walk through the woods!Meet a Ranger at the Hopewell Furnace visitor center at 8 AM. We will be taking a short hike (approximately 1-2 miles) through the historic site and parts of French Creek State Park. Bring your o......More

Come celebrate World Migratory Bird day by taking a walk through the woods!Meet a Ranger at the Hopewell Furnace visitor center at 8 AM. We will be taking a short hike (approximately 1-2 miles) through the historic site and parts of French Creek State Park. Bring your own pair of binoculars, some water and sturdy shoes. Any questions? Call our visitor center at 610-582-8773

Group will be meeting at the Hopewell Furnace visitor center parking lot.

Orientation Talk

Ranger-led Weekend Orientation Programs at Visitor CenterWeekends, Saturday, April 6 through Sunday, May 26 (Staff Permitting)Orientation Program talks offered at the top of each hour between 10:00am and 4:00pm, duration 10-15 minutes. Program dependent on weather and s......More

Ranger-led Weekend Orientation Programs at Visitor CenterWeekends, Saturday, April 6 through Sunday, May 26 (Staff Permitting)Orientation Program talks offered at the top of each hour between 10:00am and 4:00pm, duration 10-15 minutes. Program dependent on weather and staffing.Hopewell Furnace showcases an early American landscape of industrial operations from 1771-1883, Hopewell and other iron communities laid the foundation for the transformation of the United States into an industrial giant for the time. The park's 848 acres and historic structures illustrate the business, technology and lifestyle of our growing nation.  Coming later in May: Daily Orientation Programs at Visitor Center Sunday, May 26 - Sunday, September 1 Offered on an Hourly Basis Between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (staff permitting)

Behind Visitor Center, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

Charcoal Making Demonstration

Join us for the spring charcoal burn, which demonstrates the historic process for converting wood to charcoal in the 19th century. When Hopewell Furnace was in blast, colliers made and transported charcoal from a wide area around Hopewell Furnace, often many miles away.......More

Join us for the spring charcoal burn, which demonstrates the historic process for converting wood to charcoal in the 19th century. When Hopewell Furnace was in blast, colliers made and transported charcoal from a wide area around Hopewell Furnace, often many miles away. Before the widespread use of fossil fuels, charcoal provided the intense heat needed for making and working with iron and steel. Throughout the surrounding forest, from May through November, men lived and worked in the woods making charcoal for Hopewell Furnace. These workers were called colliers.At 11:00 a.m. on May 11th, park volunteer colliers will light and begin the charcoal burn. The burn will last seven days around the clock, concluding on Saturday, May 18. During this time, visit the collier pit to speak to volunteer colliers about the historic trade and what life was like for a collier. 

Charcoal pit along Horseshoe Trail

Charcoal Making Demonstration

Join us for the spring charcoal burn, which demonstrates the historic process for converting wood to charcoal in the 19th century. When Hopewell Furnace was in blast, colliers made and transported charcoal from a wide area around Hopewell Furnace, often many miles away.......More

Join us for the spring charcoal burn, which demonstrates the historic process for converting wood to charcoal in the 19th century. When Hopewell Furnace was in blast, colliers made and transported charcoal from a wide area around Hopewell Furnace, often many miles away. Before the widespread use of fossil fuels, charcoal provided the intense heat needed for making and working with iron and steel. Throughout the surrounding forest, from May through November, men lived and worked in the woods making charcoal for Hopewell Furnace. These workers were called colliers.At 11:00 a.m. on May 11th, park volunteer colliers will light and begin the charcoal burn. The burn will last seven days around the clock, concluding on Saturday, May 18. During this time, visit the collier pit to speak to volunteer colliers about the historic trade and what life was like for a collier. 

Charcoal pit along Horseshoe Trail

Charcoal Making Demonstration

Join us for the spring charcoal burn, which demonstrates the historic process for converting wood to charcoal in the 19th century. When Hopewell Furnace was in blast, colliers made and transported charcoal from a wide area around Hopewell Furnace, often many miles away.......More

Join us for the spring charcoal burn, which demonstrates the historic process for converting wood to charcoal in the 19th century. When Hopewell Furnace was in blast, colliers made and transported charcoal from a wide area around Hopewell Furnace, often many miles away. Before the widespread use of fossil fuels, charcoal provided the intense heat needed for making and working with iron and steel. Throughout the surrounding forest, from May through November, men lived and worked in the woods making charcoal for Hopewell Furnace. These workers were called colliers.At 11:00 a.m. on May 11th, park volunteer colliers will light and begin the charcoal burn. The burn will last seven days around the clock, concluding on Saturday, May 18. During this time, visit the collier pit to speak to volunteer colliers about the historic trade and what life was like for a collier. 

Charcoal pit along Horseshoe Trail

Charcoal Making Demonstration

Join us for the spring charcoal burn, which demonstrates the historic process for converting wood to charcoal in the 19th century. When Hopewell Furnace was in blast, colliers made and transported charcoal from a wide area around Hopewell Furnace, often many miles away.......More

Join us for the spring charcoal burn, which demonstrates the historic process for converting wood to charcoal in the 19th century. When Hopewell Furnace was in blast, colliers made and transported charcoal from a wide area around Hopewell Furnace, often many miles away. Before the widespread use of fossil fuels, charcoal provided the intense heat needed for making and working with iron and steel. Throughout the surrounding forest, from May through November, men lived and worked in the woods making charcoal for Hopewell Furnace. These workers were called colliers.At 11:00 a.m. on May 11th, park volunteer colliers will light and begin the charcoal burn. The burn will last seven days around the clock, concluding on Saturday, May 18. During this time, visit the collier pit to speak to volunteer colliers about the historic trade and what life was like for a collier. 

Charcoal pit along Horseshoe Trail

Charcoal Making Demonstration

Join us for the spring charcoal burn, which demonstrates the historic process for converting wood to charcoal in the 19th century. When Hopewell Furnace was in blast, colliers made and transported charcoal from a wide area around Hopewell Furnace, often many miles away.......More

Join us for the spring charcoal burn, which demonstrates the historic process for converting wood to charcoal in the 19th century. When Hopewell Furnace was in blast, colliers made and transported charcoal from a wide area around Hopewell Furnace, often many miles away. Before the widespread use of fossil fuels, charcoal provided the intense heat needed for making and working with iron and steel. Throughout the surrounding forest, from May through November, men lived and worked in the woods making charcoal for Hopewell Furnace. These workers were called colliers.At 11:00 a.m. on May 11th, park volunteer colliers will light and begin the charcoal burn. The burn will last seven days around the clock, concluding on Saturday, May 18. During this time, visit the collier pit to speak to volunteer colliers about the historic trade and what life was like for a collier. 

Charcoal pit along Horseshoe Trail

Charcoal Making Demonstration

Join us for the spring charcoal burn, which demonstrates the historic process for converting wood to charcoal in the 19th century. When Hopewell Furnace was in blast, colliers made and transported charcoal from a wide area around Hopewell Furnace, often many miles away.......More

Join us for the spring charcoal burn, which demonstrates the historic process for converting wood to charcoal in the 19th century. When Hopewell Furnace was in blast, colliers made and transported charcoal from a wide area around Hopewell Furnace, often many miles away. Before the widespread use of fossil fuels, charcoal provided the intense heat needed for making and working with iron and steel. Throughout the surrounding forest, from May through November, men lived and worked in the woods making charcoal for Hopewell Furnace. These workers were called colliers.At 11:00 a.m. on May 11th, park volunteer colliers will light and begin the charcoal burn. The burn will last seven days around the clock, concluding on Saturday, May 18. During this time, visit the collier pit to speak to volunteer colliers about the historic trade and what life was like for a collier. 

Charcoal pit along Horseshoe Trail