ELVERSON, PA — Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, in partnership with the Friends of Hopewell Furnace, will commemorate the 249th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence with a special celebration on July 4, 2025. The event will feature a formal ceremony at 2:00 p.m., along with engaging historical programming offered throughout the day. Admission is free, and the public is encouraged to attend.
The formal ceremony, hosted on the steps of the Ironmaster’s Mansion, will include musical performances by Amanda Spotts and Amelia Shelgren, a presentation of colors by local scout troops, and readings of winning essays from the Independence Day Writing Challenge. Visitors will also have the unique opportunity to participate in a shared reading of the Declaration of Independence, fostering a collective connection to this pivotal moment in American history.
For visitors arriving during the day, additional activities will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. These interactive demonstrations will include aluminum casting, wool dyeing, flax spinning, and blacksmithing, providing a hands-on look at early American industry.
Established as a National Historic Site in 1938, Hopewell Furnace preserves the late 18th and early 19th-century setting of a pioneering iron-making community. Built in 1771 by Ironmaster Mark Bird, the charcoal-fueled furnace operated for 112 years, contributing to the nation’s early industrialization. Today, the site highlights the essential role of such communities in shaping the growth of the United States.
According to the Friends of Hopewell Furnace, their mission is to support the preservation and programming of this historic site.
Hopewell Furnace is open to visitors Wednesday through Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is located at 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, PA 19520, about five miles south of Birdsboro, PA, off Route 345. This Independence Day event offers a meaningful way for families and history enthusiasts alike to reflect on the nation’s heritage while enjoying interactive and educational experiences.
For more info, call 610-582-8773 or visit www.nps.gov/hofu.
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