Ever wanted to be an archaeologist? On Sunday, Oct. 12, .the Friends of Hopewell Furnace will present a program on findings of an archaeological dig in Berks County that is open to the public. The free program will begin at 2 p.m. in the Hopewell Furnace Conference Center.
For the past four years, the John Shrader Chapter 21 of the Society of Pennsylvania Archaeology has been investigating the Mouns Jones House, the oldest house in Berks County. Chapter member Gene Delaplane will discuss findings including 18th century coins, pottery, and iron. These findings shed light on Berks County’s earliest settlers, Swedish Americans who built the Mouns Jones House in 1716. Participants will learn how they can become part of this fascinating investigation.
Ironmaster William Bird, (the father of Hopewell Furnace Founder Mark Bird) married into the Mouns Jones family and owned property within the Morlatton Colony. Mark Bird later helped build a bridge across the Schuylkill River to the colony. Both were members of Saint Gabriel’s Episcopal Church in Douglassville.
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.
While at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site visitors are encouraged to go into the village, tour the buildings and learn about the iron making industry and why Hopewell Furnace is important to our nation’s history. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 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 hofu_superintendent@nps.gov.
From Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site
