ELVERSON PA – The annual “Iron Plantation Christmas” holiday observance, which includes a public stroll through the iron-making community of Hopewell Furnace, is planned for early December.
The National Park Service, which operates the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, has scheduled the free holidays event, rain or shine, for Dec. 7 (2024; Saturday) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The site, at 2 Mark Bird Ln., Elverson, is only a 19-minute drive from Pottstown along state Route 724 West. It’s also just 5 miles south of Birdsboro along state Route 345.
Visitors will have opportunities to experience and engage in various Christmas traditions from the early- to mid-19th century. Activities include making gingerbread ornaments, creating holiday decorations out of greens and other natural sprigs, and the traditions of writing holiday letters and cards.
They’ll also discover customs, foods, and traditions of the holiday season from an early American perspective. Der Belsnickel, a mischievous character similar to Santa Claus and who rewards good children with treats, will be available to meet guests.
Supported by volunteers, gardeners, friends
Support for the program and its activities is provided by park volunteers, the Berks and Chester County chapters of Penn State Extension Master Gardeners, and the non-profit Friends of Hopewell Furnace organization.
Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site preserves the late-18th and early-19th century setting of an iron-making community. It illustrates the community’s essential role of industrialization in the growth of the early United States. Available for viewing are its charcoal-fueled furnace, and its natural and cultural resources.
Park facilities are located in Union Township, Berks County, just south of French Creek State Park. They are currently open Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will be closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s days. For more information about the site or its Iron Plantation Christmas, call 610-582-8773.
Photo provided to Travels With The Post by the National Park Service
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