Cornwall Iron Furnace

10/16/2026

Margaret Coleman Freeman Buckingham died today on October 16, 1946. Margaret was the great-granddaughter of Robert Coleman and the last Coleman to own Cornwall Iron Furnace. After its closure in 1883, Margaret and her family cared for the property, ensuring that it stayed in good condition. In 1932, she donated the property to the state of Pennsylvania in order for it to be preserved as a museum. She is buried in Laurel Hill East Cemetery in Philadelphia with other members of her family.

10/15/2026

In addition to two pits inside the casting room, the 1989 excavations also dug four units outside the south casting room wall in the area behind the engine room. The expectation was that this area was used as a waste disposal area based on eighteenth century drawings and nineteenth century photographs. Artifacts found in this area included ironmaking materials and products, architectural materials, and domestic artifacts. These finds confirmed that that area was used for the disposal of by-products—primarily slag, miscasts, and ingredients not totally consumed by the furnace.

10/15/2026

The Friends of Hopewell Furnace cordially invites you to join architect and preservationist Bob Thomas as he explores the history and relevance of transportation in shaping the iron industry. Bob Thomas, is a founding partner of Campbell Thomas & Co., preservation and environmental architects. Bob has served over 20 years on the Philadelphia Historical Commission, including 8 years as chair.

The free program will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, at the Hopewell Furnace Visitor Center, 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, PA 19520. Please plan to arrive early as seating is limited.

10/14/2026

What does Cornwall Iron Furnace look like after the sun has gone down? Join us next Saturday, October 24 for our evening tours. Tours depart from the Visitor Center every half hour, starting at 5:00PM. The Last hour departs at 7:00PM. Your admission includes light autumnal refreshments (while supplies last) and family-friendly fall activities including candle-dipping and open-fire cooking offered from 4:00pm to dusk.

Price is $10 for adults, $5 for youth ages 3-12, and free for children ages 0-2. Members FREE

RSVPs encouraged. Call the Furnace at 717-272-9711 to reserve your spot!

10/13/2026

Join us tonight at 7:00PM for our FREE lecture “The Revolutionary War Hospital at Ephrata” by Brad Smith at Freeman Hall at Cornwall Manor or on Zoom. Life for the Ephrata community of pacifists was forever changed when, in December 1777, the Continental Army requisitioned Cloister buildings to establish a military hospital that provided care to nearly 260 soldiers. In this presentation, Brad Smith will discuss the intriguing story of Ephrata’s Revolutionary War hospital, with a special emphasis on new discoveries that are expanding our understanding of its curious history.

Registration is only required for online attendance. To register for the virtual lecture, please go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jXxa3dhySM-fJyQj2HeagQ #/registration

In 1732, German pietists established a semi-monastic community that we know today as the Ephrata Cloister, a historic site operated by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. Life for this community of pacifists was forever changed when, in December 1777, the Continental Army requisitioned....

10/12/2026

On Indigenous People’s Day, we celebrate the rich histories and cultures of Native Americans. Cornwall Iron Furnace is located on the traditional land of the Lenape or Lenapehoking.

Image is a drawing by Herbert and John Kraft courtesy of the Delaware Tribe of Indians website

10/11/2026

On October 11, 1776, the Pennsylvania Council of Safety requested that Salford Forge make heavy iron chains to prevent British ships from sailing up the Delaware River and reaching Philadelphia or Trenton. At that time, Salford Forge was being leased by Robert Coleman, though his lease ended later that year. After his departure, the chains were completed and delivered. A similar chain also went across the Hudson River, which is pictured in this drawing.

Image from the Iron Age Magazine

10/10/2026

Join us today, October 10, for our last Second Saturday Living History program! Jenavieve Hottenstein will discuss Cornwall Iron Furnace in the 1880s and 1890s after the closure of Cornwall Iron Furnace in 1883. This informal, drop-in program will run from 9:00AM – 4:00PM. Stop by anytime!

10/09/2026

On October 24th experience what it was like working the night shift at Cornwall Iron Furnace by joining an evening tour through the furnace building after dark. Tours depart from the Visitor Center every half hour, starting at 5:00PM. The Last hour departs at 7:00PM. Your admission includes light autumnal refreshments (while supplies last) and family-friendly fall activities offered from 4:00pm to dusk.

Price is $10 for adults, $5 for youth ages 3-12, and free for children ages 0-2. Members FREE

RSVPs encouraged. Call the Furnace at 717-272-9711 to reserve your spot!

10/08/2026

This photograph is from the first archaeological dig conducted at Cornwall Iron Furnace in 1989. They dug two areas inside the casting house along the wall. The artifacts found in this area were either architectural and building materials including nails, window glass, and roof slates or raw materials and waste products associated with iron production like slag, charcoal, and limestone.