Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

10/17/2026

I'll have what they're having!

Food resonates with everyone. People can pinpoint favorite tastes and smells, eagerly await seasonal cuisine, and reminisce on how we were taught to cook with family and friends.

For many enlistees of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), food was scarce prior to their service in the famed Great Depression era organization. On average, an enrollee just joining the CCC weighed about 147 pounds and was 5 feet, 8 ¼ inches tall. After several weeks in the Corps, it was common to put on weight and grow an average of half an inch from the boost of nutrition.

At Hopewell Furnace, Company 3304 kept a newsletter and wrote about how highly they regarded their mess hall. In the "Hopewell Howl", they recall:

"Since the arrival of our company at Hopewell we have seen many improvements...to the new china dishes now in use...an enlargement of the kitchen to provide for better and faster distribution of food...Last, but most important, is the sort of food we eat. I can truthfully say that I have never eaten food of better quality anywhere than is regularly served in our camp."

Interested in seeing the kinds of foods consumed by the CCC? Visit Hopewell Furnace on Saturday November 7 to witness our encampment, including a field cook stove on display! Visit the event page to learn more! go.nps.gov/HOFU_CCC



Photo: NPS

10/15/2026

What can old bones tell us?

Archaeologists working around the Ironmaster's Mansion recovered hundreds of animal bones. The bones pictured here include chicken, pig, and cattle, while excavations also uncovered rabbit, turkey, pigeon, goose, duck, quail, fish, and sheep.

Near the mansion's porch, archaeologists found food remains alongside fragments of early 19th-century teapots, pitchers, cups, and saucers. The evidence suggests people may have enjoyed meals or refreshments on the porch and tossed what remained into a nearby window well.

One bone pictured here, a pig jaw, even shows marks from a rodent that gnawed it after it was discarded.

Two centuries later, these ordinary remnants reveal pieces of everyday life at Hopewell and show how much we can learn from what people left behind. Sometimes history is buried just beneath our feet.



Photo: NPS/ A. Kane

10/11/2026

The National Park Service has an available object from the Hopewell Furnace NHS Museum Collection. This object is outside the park's scope of collection and is available for transfer to another park or federal agency, or conveyance to non-federal institutions. This carriage was manufactured by Studebaker Bros Manufacturing Company of South Bend Indiana and is in fair shape. Vehicle is structurally sound, but upholstery has been damaged from past pest infestation. Estimated date of manufacture is circa 1852.

The item posting will remain live until November 16. See the full listing photos and learn more about other available objects by visiting: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/clearinghouse.htm

Questions? Contact the park via email at [email protected] or by calling the Visitor Center (610-582-8773)



Photo: NPS

10/09/2026

This year, Hopewell Furnace had some true behind‑the‑scenes heroes: the conservators from Harpers Ferry National Historical Park!

Their visits throughout 2026 focused on one big goal: caring for the historic wagons and carriages that help us tell Hopewell’s story.

What did they do?
• Checked their condition: Early in the year the team carefully examined each wagon and carriage and created a plan for their long-term care.

• Cleaned and protected them: In July, conservators returned to safely remove years of dirt and grime. They also made custom Tyvek covers to protect indoor vehicles from dust and debris.

• Built custom supports: In August, they made special mounts from recycled plastic to raise outdoor vehicles off the ground. This helps protect them from moisture and supports parts that have become weak over time.

Why does this matter? Because these wagons aren’t just objects. They are part of the story.

They help us share the lives of the people, the work, and the community of Hopewell who used wagons like these to haul raw materials into the furnace complex and carry the finished iron back out again. Caring for them keeps that history alive.

We’re grateful for the conservator team’s expertise, care, and dedication.

Learn more about Museum Conservation Services: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/hfc/museum-conservation-services.htm



Photo: NPS/ A. Kane

10/07/2026

Where do you enjoy visiting on vacation?

For the people enlisting in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) throughout the 1930s, their travels would be much more than your traditional vacation. Often bringing nothing more than themselves and a few personal belongings, millions of Americans enlisted in the CCC for work and to support in the preservation of natural resources all over the United States.

In July 1935, a group of 96 men and two officers arrived at Hopewell Furnace from Elizabethville, Pennsylvania, becoming the first contingent to form Company 3301. Upon their arrival, another company already stationed on the property needed time to relocate to their next assignment. While they waited, Co. 3301 began popping up tents and makeshift shelters until they could move into the more permanent barracks at Hopewell Furnace. Documenting their experiences, a note in their monthly newsletter recalls their move-in experience:

"...the arrival of these men began the real inception of 3301. Tents in which to hole in for the first few days until Company 2213 evacuated the barracks upon the hill above Hopewell Furnace...Plenty of rain followed the setup of the camp and was it a happy outfit when they received orders to move to the old barracks of 2213.

But these barracks were only temporary quarters...and again the outfit moved, this time into the old standbys, the tents, where mid rain and mud they endured for many weeks..."

The arrival of the CCC may not have been the most pleasant, but after those first challenging weeks, they soon began projects that would help rehabilitate the grounds and structures of Hopewell Furnace.

Want to learn more about what it was like to be in the CCC? Visit Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site on Saturday November 7 as we host a CCC encampment from 10am – 4pm!

Photo: NPS

10/05/2026

Today’s homework: thank a teacher.

National parks are places where students can learn about history by standing where it happened, explore science by observing nature, and discover stories that help us better understand the people and places that shaped our world.

Behind those experiences are teachers helping students ask questions, make connections, and learn about the world around them.

On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the educators who inspire curiosity, encourage exploration and remind us that learning can happen just about anywhere. (Including places with a really good view.)

Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/teachers/index.htm

NPS Image

10/05/2026

Every day from October 12 to November 5, 2026, visit Mission San José's granary during park hours (9am-5pm) to view the mission descendant community's family ofrendas.

Ofrendas are an essential part of Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead. The word ofrenda means offering in Spanish. They are also called "altares" or altars, but not for worship. These altars are not only full of family pictures, but of symbols and meaning, honoring the ancestors who have passed, and offering them items of the celebration such a "pan de mu**to" and marigold flowers.

NPS Photo

10/04/2026

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

And we’re rather glad there are national parks to experience them in. Fall is a great time to get outside and enjoy the spectacular spectacle (say that five times fast) of changing leaves. There is plenty of room for imagination when you find yourself surrounded by forests painted in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. In our experience, you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will. So consider this your invitation to find a little wonder, a little enchantment, and perhaps a kindred spirit among the trees.

Forests, woods, and shrublands in national parks put on their autumn colors from September through December. There’s a whole world of beauty waiting to be explored!

Image 1: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Image 2: Great Smoky Mountains NP
Image 3: Great Sand Dunes NPP
Image 4: Rocky Mountain National Park
Image 5: TheodoreRooseveltNPS

10/03/2026

“On October 3rd, he asked what day it was.” — Cady Heron

It’s October 3rd.

October is kind of a big deal around here. The autumn months splash many national parks with a rich array of fall colors, while cooler temperatures have wildlife getting ready for winter. Some are migrating. Some are gathering food. Some are putting on extra layers.

Same, honestly.

So whether you’re here for the foliage, the wildlife, or simply to judge the leaves on their color palette, national parks are a pretty fetch place to experience fall. Fetch? We’re making it happen.

And if you want to keep up with what’s happening in parks this season, you can find more ways to connect with your national parks at the link below.
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/fall-season.htm

Image: Red Osier Dogwood leaves stand out against aspen trunks at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. NPS/Patrick Myers

10/02/2026

10/02/2026

Wherever military life takes you, there’s likely a park adventure nearby.

Active-duty military members, Veterans, and Gold Star families can get a free America the Beautiful Pass, providing access to national parks and federal recreation sites across the country.

Active-duty military families can also find free events, nearby outdoor opportunities, and resources for exploring national parks, public lands, and waterways through the Military Families Outdoors Program, wherever military life takes them. Visit: go.nps.gov/mfo

Whether you’re PCSing, exploring near your duty station, or looking for a weekend adventure, your next park visit may be closer than you think.

NPS Photo: Rangers at Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park recently teamed up with Blue Star Families and community partners for a day of fishing, outdoor fun, and family time at Fletchers Cove.

Blue Star Families Defense Public Health

10/01/2026

Fat Bear Week has officially lumbered to a close.

What a week. As they say, a journey of roughly 3,000 to 4,500 calories begins with a single salmon. Something like that. There might be some steps involved too.

In the end, 16 bears entered. Bear 89 “Backpack” became champion. Talk about the hunger games. And several ate their way into our hearts. Figuratively. And thousands of us humans spent an unreasonable amount of time judging bears for being excellent at being, well, bears.

It was a week of big bellies, bigger appetites, and absolutely no regrets. We shared some science, learned about the Alaskan ecosystem, stood around for hours watching large mammals eat, and found multiple way to incorporate “chonk” in everyday vocabulary.

Now the bears have more important things to do, such as eating then sleeping, a bit more eating, sleeping, and finally preparing to sleep after eating. As for the rest of us, we all return to our regularly scheduled programming.

Must we?

We must.

We will miss you, Fat Bear Week. Until next year: stay chunky, stay hungry, and remember: there’s always room for one more salmon.

NPS Images

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, it's time for Chunky Puppy Day! Tune in to the Puppy Cam tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, at 2pm AK time to find out how big the America's Best Idea litter got this summer.

How much do you think they weigh now? Share your guesses in the comments below.

NPS Photo: Graupel from the Weather litter during a weigh-in last year.

10/01/2026

Spaces are filling up for our Legends by Lantern Light evening programs on October 3!

See Hopewell Furnace in a whole new light! Join us for an evening of spooky storytelling as we move through the lantern-lit park. We'll share 3 stories the Hopewell Furnace community may have enjoyed nearly 200 years ago on these 30-minute programs.

Programs begin at 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm, and 7:30 pm. Space is limited and reservations are required. To make a reservation, please email [email protected]. Include in your email the number of people in your party and your preferred program times (first and second choices).

More details here: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=00C86A82-FE7B-2691-0EFF33B87EA752C7

Photo: NPS

09/30/2026

This is the ideal marmot body. You may not like it. You may not understand it. But this is what peak performance looks like.

Now that Fat Bear Week is over, we’re returning to our regularly scheduled programming: other fat mammals.

The tundra-dwelling yellow-bellied marmots have been preparing for hibernation for the last couple of months. Since marmots spend more than half their lives hibernating, they’ve developed some impressive adaptations for surviving the winter:

✅ First, they’ve been building up healthy fat reserves (sound familiar? Bears. Us too, but that’s another post) to sustain them for up to eight months. Basically, a nice winter savings account.

✅ When they finally enter hibernation, they become true hibernators, slowing their heart rate from around 200 beats per minute to as low as 30. It’s an impressive energy-saving strategy.

✅ Speaking of saving, they also save on utilities by cuddling up with the colony in a communal burrow. Because heating is expensive, and roommates are the answer. Was that on the lease?

NPS Photo: A rotund marmot standing on a rock at Rocky Mountain National Park

09/30/2026

Have you ever found saying goodbye difficult to grasp? 82 years ago on this day, the sailors of the HMS Nelson sadly said goodbye to Hopewell Furnace after two months of residency.

Nearing the end of World War II, British sailors aboard the HMS Nelson docked into Philadelphia as their battleship was resupplied. Searching for a location to house hundreds of sailors, the men established themselves at Hopewell Furnace beginning on July 22, 1944.

After two months, the sailors packed their belongings and headed back to Philadelphia where the HMS Nelson awaited. Many British sailors documented their positive experience, reporting how wonderful the area was and how appreciative the accommodations were. One sailor found it particularly difficult to leave southeastern Pennsylvania. Lieutenant Richards writes to Superintendent Emil Heinrich as he departed the camp at Hopewell Furnace:

"It is, I must confess, with some regret that I am writing this letter to you since it marks the time when I must leave the Camp and return to the Ship... I, personally, shall take back with me, and in due course to England, very pleasant memories of the time which I have spent at Hopewell..."

On September 30, 1944, the men of the HMS Nelson said goodbye to Hopewell Furnace and embarked into the Atlantic as the war continued for another eight months.



Photo: NPS

09/25/2026

Rain or Shine, we will see you tomorrow!!

See Hopewell Furnace come to life! Hopewell Furnace was an iron-making operation but also a community where people lived and worked. Explore the historic area to learn more about daily life in Hopewell's heyday.

🕯️Staff and volunteers in historical attire will demonstrate spinning, open-hearth cooking, blacksmithing, historic letter writing, candle making, dyeing, quilting, baking in the bake oven, and more.

💌 Check out hands-on activities to immerse yourself in Hopewell Furnace's community.

🐏Meet the newest members of our flock and learn about the importance of animals for Hopewell's community.

🔥Get a glimpse at the industry that sustained the community with our aluminum molding and casting demonstration.



Photo: NPS

09/25/2026

Ever wonder how everyday chores connected an entire iron community?

In the 1800s, even simple tasks done at the Spring House like making soap, churning butter, or gathering water wove people into the rhythm of life at Hopewell Furnace.

Lye soap started with a simple ingredient: wood ash. With trees constantly being cut for charcoal production, Hopewell had plenty to spare. Right beside the Spring House, the ash hopper helped families turn that ash into strong lye by letting water slowly filter through. This was an necessary step in creating the soap that kept households running.

Once the lye was ready, animal fat was added and carefully boiled into a useful, everyday product used in almost all 19th century homes.

Steps away, the Spring House kept milk and cream cool year‑round, making it the perfect spot for another community task: butter churning. It took time and teamwork, but the reward was worth the effort.

Want to experience one of these historic skills for yourself? Join us for Living History Day tomorrow, September 26th, where you can try your hand at churning butter.

https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=65CE428A-B934-1035-B9B1E15BF0DAB628



Photo: NPS/S. Martin

09/20/2026

Stop Clucking around!

At Hopewell Furnace, chickens may have clucked all day, but they were far from idle. They provided protein, helped stretch food supplies, and even contributed to baked goods in the kitchen.

Historically, a variety of poultry could be found at the farmsteads and tenant houses of the furnace community. They provided meat for cooking as well as feathers for stuffing mattresses and pillows. Fresh eggs were a daily staple for workers and the ironmaster's household alike. Allowed to "free-range," their foraging reduced the number of insects around homes and barns.

We’re excited to welcome a new flock of chickens to the park! This Barred Rock variety will supply eggs for our bake oven demonstrations and natural dye programs. But don’t worry, that’s the only dyeing they’ll be doing. Just like the chickens at Hopewell long ago, they’ll stay busy contributing to daily life and adding value to our living history programming.

Come say hi to our feathery friends on September 26th during our Living History Day event from 11 AM – 3 PM.

Learn more by visiting: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=65CE428A-B934-1035-B9B1E15BF0DAB628

Photo: NPS/ P. Mesecar