ELVERSON, PA — The National Park Service is inviting the public to step back in time and celebrate a traditional “Iron Plantation Christmas” at the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. This evocative event is scheduled for Saturday, December 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a unique glimpse into the Christmas traditions of the 19th century, rain or shine.
Visitors to the event will be immersed in an array of festive activities reminiscent of the early to mid-1800s. Participants can engage in crafting gingerbread ornaments and creating holiday decorations using greens and other natural materials. The event will also feature the charming customs of writing holiday letters and cards, alongside demonstrations of traditional foods and holiday practices from an early American perspective. Adding to the holiday spirit, attendees can meet Der Belsnickel, a lively figure akin to Santa Claus, known for rewarding well-behaved children with treats. These festive programs are supported by dedicated park volunteers, as well as the Berks and Chester County Master Gardener chapters and the Friends of Hopewell Furnace.
The Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site offers a preserved view of an 18th and early 19th-century iron-making community. This site, complete with a charcoal-fueled furnace, underscores the pivotal role industrialization played in the burgeoning growth of the early United States. It serves as a tangible reminder of the country’s industrial heritage and its impact on community development.
Located at 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, PA 19520 — just five miles south of Birdsboro, PA, off Route 345 — the park is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with closures on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. This event offers a rare opportunity to explore both the historical and cultural resources of the site while enjoying the holiday season as celebrated over a century ago.
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