Union Township—What is a Collier? In recognition of the 80th Anniversary of Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, the Friends of Hopewell Furnace will host storyteller, collier and author Susannah Brody’s exploration of the Colliers of Hopewell Furnace. The free program will begin at 2 p.m. in the Hopewell Furnace Conference Center on Sunday, April 8.
The Colliers of Hopewell Furnace supplied charcoal, a key ingredient in making iron. Their contribution was deemed so important that during the establishment of the park, the WPA/Civilian Conservation Corps demonstrated the art of charcoal making as the park’s first formal interpretive program. Brody will discuss the amazing process that still continues. Twice a year, volunteers gather for a week long demonstration of the art and craft of charcoal making.
Brody, a retired teacher, has a Master of Arts degree in oral traditions from the Graduate Institute of Connecticut and is a member of Patchwork, a storytelling guild, and the National Storytelling Network. In addition to her definitive work on charcoal making, Brody’s publications include: “Uwchlan Township: 300 Years Above the Valley”, “Remembering Chester County: Stories from Valley Forge to Coatesville”, a three volume set of Chester County Biographies and “The History of Dowlin Forge.”
Established in 1994, the Friends of Hopewell Furnace is the official non-profit fundraising arm of Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. A 501(c)3 citizen organization, its mission is to support the preservation, maintenance and programs of Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. Donations to the Friends may be tax deductible according to the rules set by the Internal Revenue Service. For more information visit the Friends web site at www.friendsofhopewellfurn.org.
While at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site visitors are encouraged to go into the village, tour the buildings and learn about iron making and why Hopewell Furnace is important to our nation’s history. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday thru Sunday, the park is located five miles south of Birdsboro, PA, off of Route 345. For more information stop by the park’s visitor center, call 610-582-8773, visit the park’s web site at www.nps.gov/hofu, or contact the park by e-mail at [email protected].
