Explore Centre County History Through Hands-On Learning
The Centre County Historical Society offers educational resources, field trips, and research materials designed to help students connect with Centre County's rich history, culture, and heritage.
Class field trips, group visits, and homeschool visits can be scheduled by calling 814-234-4779. Visits to Boogersburg School are scheduled for late April through mid-June and again in September.
Plan a Field Trip
Bring History to Life for Your Students
Schedule a visit to the Centre Furnace Mansion or Boogersburg School and give students the opportunity to experience local history firsthand.
Call 814-234-4779 to schedule a visit.
Teaching Resources
Resources for Classroom Learning
Use the resources below to help students better understand the role of Centre Furnace in iron making, the development of Centre County, and the origins of Penn State.
Centre County History
Understanding the Community and Landscape
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
Boogersburg One-Room School
Experience Education in the 19th Century
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 programming and volunteer opportunities, please call the CCHS office at 814-234-4779 or contact us.
Classroom Discussion Questions
Focus Questions
Use these questions to encourage discussion and critical thinking:
- 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?
Centre History: Our Roots of Iron
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.
