Annual Special Events

 

Join us every Mother's Day for our annual Sheep Shearing event.

NPS Photo

Sheep Shearing Day

It is no surprise that the flock of sheep at Hopewell Furnace are an attraction, especially in the spring with the birth of the new lambs. As summer approaches, it is time to relieve the flock of their heavy fleece coats. Join us for our annual sheep shearing event, where you can learn about 19th century and modern shearing techniques, the sheep, and meet all of the new lambs!

When: Mother's Day

 

Volunteer colliers prepare to ignite the charcoal pile each year on Establishment Day.

NPS Photo

Establishment Day

August 3, 1938 Hopewell Furnace was officially declared a National Historic Site, the second park to hold that title. Since then, each August we celebrate our Establishment Day with a day full of family-friendly activities, including the lighting of our charcoal pile, the fuel used in the furnace while it was in blast.

When: First Saturday of August

 

A family helps decorate a scarecrow for the tenant house garden.

NPS Photo, Sherry

Hopewell Halloween

Halloween was a time of bounty and reflection about the changing seasons. Learn about traditional 19th century crafts and traditions from different cultural groups that lived and worked at the furnace

When: Fourth Saturday in October

 

The Belsnickel watches visitors in the village during Iron Plantation Christmas.

NPS Photo, Sherry

Iron Plantation Christmas

Many workers called the furnace home, but when holidays occured, iron making continued. Learn how workers celebrated the holidays with a day full of music, crafts, and a special visit from the Belsnickel!

When: First Saturday of December