Living History At Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

By Joseph Bordonaro · Originally published August 2016 · p. 36

ELVERSON, Pa.—A hotly contested, divisive election loomed in 1860, much like today, and a living history in National Park Service’s Hopewell Furnace site (in Pennsylvania) brought that period of time to life on the weekend of May 20-22, 2016. An all-civilian event, the living history focuses on the Civil War period of Hopewell Furnace’s history. The furnace produced iron and many of its workers lived near the furnace in worker homes. Some of these worker homes survive and are inhabited by participants. The event has been held since 2010 and includes a fund raising component (from participant’s registration fees) to help the NPS site. Since the first event a total of $4,468 has been donated. The event encourages, but does not require, first person interaction amongst the participants. Hopewell Furnace showcases an early American industrial landscape from natural resource extraction to enlightened conservation. Operating from 1771-1883, Hopewell and other “iron plantations” laid the foundation for the transformation of the United States into an industrial giant. The park’s 848 acres and historic structures illustrate the business, technology and lifestyle of our growing nation. For more information about Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site visit https://www.nps. gov/hofu/index.htm