CCHS can customize a tour for your group, based on your interests and needs. General tours of the Mansion are led by experienced docents and include an overview of the charcoal iron industry in Centre County, Centre Furnace and its connection to Penn State, a tour of the ironmaster’s furnished Mansion and, weather permitting, a walk to the Furnace stack. Tour emphasis can also focus on the furnishings, architecture, and gardens as well. Tours generally last about 60-90 minutes, depending on your group needs. General admission is free (suggested donation of $4/person.) To schedule a tour please allow at least two weeks notice.
Make your reservation! Call CCHS at 814-234-4779.
For Group Tours please provide:
- Name of your school or organization
- Contact person’s name, telephone number and/or email
- Number of guests in your group
- Grade or age levels
- Preferred dates and times for tours (including length of tour, topics of interest)
- Any special needs
We can accommodate up to 20 visitors in a group. Upon arrival, groups will need to be divided into two subsets of 10 or less visitors before you start the tour. At least one adult group/school chaperone is required for every 10 youth and must accompany the group/groups at all times.
General Tour Information:
- Accessibility: The Centre Furnace Mansion is wheelchair-accessible on the ground and first floors. The second floor is only accessible by stairs. Please notify us if any of your guests require special assistance.
- Guidelines for students: Please stay with your docent, teacher, or chaperone. Remember that your house is a museum – please touch only those things the docents hands to you. Please use inside voices, and raise your and if you have questions.
- Lunch: On nice days, the Mansion grounds are available for a picnic (or alternately, the Hearth Room for up to 20 visitors). Please let us know if you plan to stay for lunch, so we can plan accordingly.
- Restrooms: There are two handicapped-accessible restrooms on the ground floor of the Mansion.
- Teachers’ Resources: Please visit our Educator Resources page for additional activities and information to share with students.
- Make a Day of It: There are several other cultural and natural heritage sites, museums, and libraries within 5-25 minutes of the Centre Furnace Mansion. Visit the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau for other attractions, dining, and lodging facilities in Centre County and the Penn State area.
Directions to the Centre Furnace Mansion:
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, 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. Our parking lot is available off of Porter Road.