Gallery Tours
Guided and self-guided gallery tours are offered at Cornwall
Iron Furnace for all groups. Tours examine an orientation
exhibit that provides a clear understanding of the once
active iron plantation. Housed in the third bay of the old
charcoal barn, the exhibit tells the story of two families
and their iron plantation workers.
A visitor today will gain a better knowledge of the early
ironmaking era by reading descriptions of a furnace "in blast" and
viewing colonial stove plates, cannon balls, and
an eighteenth century naval cannon. The gallery also
provides information on charcoal making, pig iron, and
different types of employees, such as indentured servants
and slaves. The exhibit is comprised of period artifacts,
text panels, and colorful graphics. Text is written at the
comprehension level of middle school-aged children. There is
no admission fee for the gallery, which is accessible to
all.
Outreach - Iron in the Classroom
Alice Oskam, retired school teacher, has created a classroom
presentation for elementary school age students. Mrs. Oskam
uses a collection of iron products to illustrate her lesson
on early ironmaking in America. During Mrs. Oskam’s visit,
each student will be given a short quiz with a reward of a
free tour of the furnace when accompanied by a paying adult.
Nothing quite takes the place of an on-site visit to
Cornwall Iron Furnace. So if your schedule permits, we
encourage you to combine Alice’s visit with a field trip to
the furnace. For information and availability, please contact Alice Oskam at 717-866-5242.
Additional Programs
Cornwall Iron Furnace also offers another program designed
for students in grades 3-5. The iron plantation was headed
by the Ironmaster; he employed a workforce engaged in a variety
of occupations. Each student will be given an opportunity to
learn about the different occupations. The fee is included in the price of the student
tour; we require a minimum of twenty students for this
addition to the regular tour. Please request this special
feature in advance.
The Grounds
The property is a 5-acre historic site that
offers a picnic area and beautiful grounds for a nice walk
on a warm day.
Guided
Furnace Tour
The guided furnace tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and
highlights ironmaking in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The 1742 furnace was remodeled in the 19th century and the
equipment installed is what visitors will see on the tour.
Click here for our online Furnace
Tour. A fee is charged.
Video
Our guided tour is complemented by a video showing the
making of charcoal and preparing molds for casting in the 19th century. The
video can be seen without participating in a guided tour.
Suggested Reading
- Cornwall Iron Furnace,
Pennsylvania Trail of History ®, by Susan Dieffenbach
- The Rise of an Iron
Community, by Frederick K. Miller
- Iron, Independence and
Inheritance, by James A. Dibert, M.A.
- The Colemans,
Lebanon’s Royal Family, published by Lebanon County
Historical Society
- The Touch of Time, by
Richard E. Noble
Things to keep in mind
There is no heat or air conditioning in the furnace
building. Be sure to have your group dress appropriately for
the activities. Comfortable foot wear is suggested for the
guided walking tour.
How do I schedule?
It is best to call well in advance to make reservations.
Please call us at 717-272-9711 or send us an email at
ssomers@state.pa.us.
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Cornwall Iron Furnace Associates
Cornwall Iron Furnace
94 Rexmont Road
P.O. Box 251
Cornwall, PA 17016
Phone: 717-272-9711
Fax: 717-272-0450
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