Below is some general information about visiting our locations. Click on a Frequently Asked Question to reveal (or hide) more details:
What are the hours of operation?
Office Hours: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
Mansion Tours Hours: 1:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday, Friday by appointment. Mansion Tours are free and open to the public; donations are welcome (suggested $4.00). Please allow 1 hour for a tour. The first two floors are accessible.
Garden & Grounds Hours: Dawn to dusk, the gardens and walking paths at the Mansion and Furnace Stack are open to the public. Interpretive signs are found along the trails. Paths are handicap accessible.
Boogersburg One-Room Schoolhouse: Grounds open dawn to dusk. Tours by appointment during warmer months (March – October). (Annual open house occurs each August. Check events calendar for details.)
How do I schedule a group tour?
We welcome group tours: Social groups, family reunions, school groups, PSU alumni, and motorcoach groups. To ensure we best accommodate your group’s needs, groups of 8 or more should call ahead – a few days notice is appreciated.
How do I use the archives or make a research request?
Archives Use: Researchers requesting use of archival records should make an appointment at least 2 days ahead by calling the office at (814) 234 – 4779. Our volunteer researchers will do a preliminary search, and pull records to assist you.
Research Requests: Requests for research can be made by contacting the office at (814) 234 – 4779. The research is conducted by volunteers, so please allow at least 2 weeks for processing. Photocopy and digitization fees may apply.
What are the holiday hours?
Holidays: CCHS is closed on Easter weekend and most National public holidays. The CCHS office is closed between Christmas and New Year’s. Office hours will resume the first weekday after New Year’s.
What is the CCHS snow/inclement weather policy?
Inclement Weather: CCHS follows the delays / closings of the State College School District. Please view the school district’s website for details about weather delays, early dismissals, or closings. Many of our visitors travel from afar. Because of the surrounding mountains and variations in precipitation with the changing elevations, do not hesitate to contact our office to see what the weather is in our backyard: (814) 234-4779.
Directions to CCHS locations
Boogersburg School is located at 1021 Fox Hill Road, 2.5 miles from the Centre Furnace Mansion. From the intersection of Porter Road and Park Avenue, (between at Beaver Stadium and the Central Pa. Convention & Visitors’ Bureau), head north across Park Ave. onto Fox Hill Road. Proceed straight 1.5 miles. The road will take a sharp turn to the right. Then Boogersburg School is 150 yards ahead on the right.
Centre Furnace Mansion (Centre County Historical Society office) is located at 1001 East College Avenue, at the corner of East College Avenue (Route 26) and Porter Road – on the southeast corner of the Penn State Campus (1 mile from downtown State College, and 1 mile from Beaver Stadium). The Mansion is set back from the road, behind several historic trees.
From Downtown State College/Camps – BLUE LOOP to Parking Lot 43 East stop 282, then walk less than a mile south (free); CATA bus route HM to stop 171 or 160 at Tailgate on College Avenue ($2.20), the Mansion is to the left of/behind Esber’s Rugs. Driving or taxi is recommended.
From Philadelphia: Take the PA Turnpike I-76W towards Harrisburg. Take the Harrisburg East exit and follow I-283 to I-83. Proceed north on I-83 to the I-81 interchange. Follow I-81W to the Route 322/22W exit. Proceed on Route 322W through Lewistown to State College. Take the Route 26/E. College Avenue exit. Turn left at the traffic light onto E. College Avenue. Travel 1 mile. Just past the Hampton Inn, turn right at the traffic light (Porter Road). Make the first right into Centre Furnace Mansion’s parking lot.
From Pittsburgh: Take Route 22E to I-99N/Route 220N, towards Altoona. Merge onto Route 220N/Route 322 towards State College. Bear right to follow Route 322 E/Mount Nittany Expressway. Take the Route 26/E. College Avenue exit. Turn right at the light at the end of the ramp. Travel 1 mile. Just past the Hampton Inn, turn right at the traffic light (Porter Road). Make the first right into Centre Furnace Mansion’s parking lot.
From New York City: Take I-80 W to PA. In Pennsylvania, take the 220S exit towards Route 322 and Bellefonte. From 220S, take the Penn State Univ. / Visitor’s Center exit. Merge right onto Park Avenue heading west. At the traffic light at Beaver Stadium, turn left on Porter Road. Proceed up the hill to a stop sign. Go straight. Proceed 3/4 of a mile down the hill. Centre Furnace Mansion’s parking lot is the last turn on your left.