Research and Explore Centre County History
Class field trips/group visits/home-school visits can be scheduled by calling 814-234-4779. Visits to Boogersburg are scheduled for late April – Mid June or in September.
Below you will find resources to help you and your students better understand the role of Centre Furnace in iron making and the formation of Centre County and Penn State. Use the menu on the right to find additional information.
Centre County History
Centre County Historic Resources Driving Map
Exploring the Landscape of Centre County
Centre Furnace & Centre Furnace Mansion
Centre Furnace & Mansion Timeline
Iron History
Centre County School Districts – Iron Histories – to be added soon
Life Cycle of Charcoal Iron Diagram
Iron Furnaces & Forges in Centre County
Iron Industry in Centre County
Iron Furnace Workers – to be added soon
Iron Making at Hopewell Furnace
Charcoal making at Hopewell Furnace
Focus Questions
- Why was Centre Furnace important?
- How is your life different or the same as the Thompson family (the family who lived here in the 1800’s)?
- What is the Penn State connection to Centre Furnace?
Boogersburg One Room School
Boogersburg History & Architecture
Boogersburg School is open to the public each August or September for an annual back-to-school Open House. The historic structure is also available for group tours by appointment. If you are interested in scheduling a group tour of the Boogersburg School, or have questions about the programming and volunteer opportunities currently being offered, please contact the CCHS office at (814) 234-4779 or email info@centrecountyhistory.org.
Additional Resources
National History Day – For 6th – 12th grade students
More information on the Centre Furnace and Centre Furnace Mansion is available in The Centre Furnace Story: A Return to our Roots. Click the image to purchase a copy. You can also request a copy through the Centre County Library-PA Room or Schlow Library.
