Charcoal Making Demonstration
Join us for the spring charcoal burn, which demonstrates the historic process for converting wood to charcoal in the 19th century. When Hopewell Furnace was in blast, colliers made and transported charcoal from a wide area around Hopewell Furnace, often many miles away. Before the widespread use of fossil fuels, charcoal provided the intense heat needed for making and working with iron and steel. Throughout the surrounding forest, from May through November, men lived and worked in the woods making charcoal for Hopewell Furnace. These workers were called colliers.
At 11:00 a.m. on May 11th, park volunteer colliers will light and begin the charcoal burn.
The burn will last seven days around the clock, concluding on Saturday, May 18. During this time, visit the collier pit to speak to volunteer colliers about the historic trade and what life was like for a collier.
Fees
Free
Location
Charcoal pit along Horseshoe Trail
Schedule
Days:
Dates:
Time:
Duration:
Charcoal lighting at 11:00am Saturday May 11, 2024. Daily observation of the charcoal burn with a volunteer collier during park hours until Saturday May 18th.
Contact Information
visitor center
610-582-8773
Event Type
- Cultural/Craft Demonstration