Posted on March 9, 2026

Friends of Hopewell Furnace Encourage Students to Participate in America 250

Friends of Hopewell Furnace Encourage Students to Participate in America 250

From Friends of Hopewell Furnace

Photo courtesy of Cristina Glebova on Unsplash

For the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Friends of Hopewell Furnace, in cooperation with the National Park Service, asks students in grades 6-12 from the tri-county Pennsylvania area to answer the question: “How do you see the Declaration of Independence influencing the future over your lifetime?” The best answers will be read at the July 4 celebration at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site.

Students attending (public/private/home) schools within the boundaries of local school districts of Antietam, Boyertown, Coatesville, Daniel Boone, Downingtown, Exeter, Governor Mifflin, Oley Valley, Owen J. Roberts, Phoenixville, Pottsgrove, Pottstown, Reading, Spring-Ford, Twin Valley, and Wyomissing are encouraged to participate.

Students in grades 9-12 may submit a 500-word or fewer essay, and students in grades 6-8 may submit a 300-word or fewer essay in response to the prompt: “How do you see the Declaration of Independence influencing the future over your lifetime?”

The preferred method of essay submission is to attach a .pdf file of your essay in an email sent to HOFU_Superintendent@nps.gov. Essays may also be delivered to Hopewell Furnace NHS, 2 Mark Bird Ln., Elverson, in an envelope marked “Writing Contest.” Submissions are due on Sunday, April 5. Learn more at nps.gov/hofu.

A panel of judges will review the submissions, with the top three from each grade group receiving cash awards of $125.00 for first, $100.00 for second, and $75.00 for third. The top three selectees from each grade group will also be invited to participate in a public program on Saturday, July 4, starting at 2 p.m.

Located in Berks and Chester Counties, Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site preserves the late 18th- and early 19th-century setting of an iron-making community, including the charcoal-fueled furnace and its natural and cultural resources. This community illustrates the essential role of industrialization in the growth of the early U.S. The furnace was established in 1771 by Ironmaster Mark Bird and operated as a furnace for the next 112 years.

The mission of the Friends of Hopewell Furnace is to support the preservation, maintenance, and activities of Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site.

You Might Also Like

Community Testimonials

Thank you for always being receptive to my ideas. All of your efforts help me to help others and that is a blessing to me.

Adrean

I wanted to thank you again for the opportunity you have created for our kids.  This experience is more than the TV show.  Eight students who probably never would have talked to each other were excited to execute a plan. Know that you make a difference.

Kristi

Wish my town had a channel like this, very cool idea to bring the community together and give people a platform.

James

Fantastic work and thanks so much for the quick turnaround!  Always a pleasure to work with you and the rest of the BCTV team!

Jim

I am happy and proud to be a part of such a dedicated assembly of talent and purpose. Thank you for being a part of my efforts to promote theater and the arts in this region.

David

Thanks for your commitment to communication far and wide, for your technical support, and tireless efforts to bring fresh programs to BCTV. Bravo!

Liz

Thank you and your staff for all you do to accommodate so many different shows, personalities, etc.!  Can’t be easy, but we really do appreciate it.

Martha