2012 Calendar of Events
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
“From Out The Fiery Furnace” - Saturday, March 10
2pm - Church House at entrance to Hopewell Furnace
Celebrate Women’s History Month by attending this one act play which illustrates the life, love, and times of a Hopewell woman.
March for Parks - Saturday, March 17
9am - Hopewell Furnace Visitor Center
Follow in the footsteps of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Friends of Hopewell Furnace invite you to join them in supporting the park by participating in roadside and trail cleanup. Call 610-582-8773, ext.225 to register for this event.
CCC:A Musical Tribute in Jazz - Sunday, April 1
2pm - Hopewell Furnace Visitor Center
Please join us as The Exeter Community Concert Band performs in honor of the
work of the Civilian Conservation Corps.This program is part of the 2012 Berks
Jazz Fest.
Sheep Shearing Day - Sunday, May 13
The furnace community that created iron products also managed the households and ran the farms necessary to sustain the population. This event celebrates the self-sufficiency of an iron-making village. Discover themany steps involved in making a wool garment.
Fashion Show - Saturday, June 9
2:30pm - Ironmaster’s House Porch
Join us for a fashion show as we celebrate more than 100 years of fashion at Hopewell Furnace. See what styles both the wealthy and working men, women, and children were wearing between 1771 and 1883.
Fala Day: Dog Day in the Park - Saturday, June 16
Bring your dog to Hopewell Furnace and enjoy a day full of fun activities, competitions and hiking. The focus of the event will be rescue and adoption groups. Learn about doggie health and wellness. We will honor Franklin D.
Roosevelt’s favorite dog Fala while discovering outdoor recreation
opportunities.
Living History Programs in the Village
Beginning the first week in July, join us for demonstrations in the village including molding and casting and blacksmithing. Learn how households in the 19th century operated. Visit our village store andpurchase reproduction items.
Reading of the Declaration of Independence - July 4th
2pm - Ironmaster’s House Porch
Bring a chair and join us on the hill in front of the Ironmaster’s House and listen to music and the reading of the Declaration of Independence and other documents.
Establishment Day: Fueling the Furnace -
Saturday, August 4
See (and smell) the ancient craft of charcoal production in action. Learn how thousands of acres of forest were consumed to fuel the furnace. Walking tours of the village and woods will be given after the lighting of the charcoal pile.
Apple Sales - Beginning Early September
Select and pick your own apples from over 30 historic and modern varieties grown in Hopewell’s orchard. Availability of varieties depends on the success of our growing season.
Harvest Time - Saturday, September 15
The success of this industrial community required the cooperative efforts of many people -- especially women. Enjoy the excitement of the fall harvest atmosphere as we cook up apple butter and fun! Everyone is invited to participate in our “pick-your-own” apple sales, watch the farm animals, hear a little historic gossip, and help stir the apple butter.
“Amidst the Storm, Home Front 1862.”The Civil War at Hopewell
Saturday & Sunday, October 13&14
In October 1862 the residents of Hopewell supported the Union troops both through the production of pig iron and more domestically by supplying knitted goods and rolled bandages for the war effort.
Veterans Day Program - Sunday, November 11 at 2pm - Bethesda Church
Come to Bethesda Church and learn about Hopewell residents and workers who served in the military, particularly during the Civil War.
Iron Plantation Christmas-Saturday, December 1
Over the years, the people ofHopewell Furnace celebrated Christmas in a variety
of ways and welcomed St. Nicholas in a variety of forms. We invite you to gather
withus to share the echoes and glimpses of Christmas past. Beware the Belsnickel!