Bring Centre County History to Life
Plan an interactive historical experience for your classroom, organization, or group. The Centre County Historical Society offers guided tours of the Centre Furnace Mansion and Boogersburg School, with programs customized for a variety of ages and interests.
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.
Make your reservation! Call CCHS at 814-234-4779
Choose Your Tour Experience
All tour groups will need the following information:
- Name of your school or organization if applicable
- 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
- Any special needs
- Any specific topics of interest
Schedule a group tour: Call 814-234-4779
Centre Furnace Mansion Tour
Step inside the home of Centre County’s ironmaking history.
1001 East College Avenue, State College, PA
Located at East College Avenue (Route 26) and Porter Road, near Penn State’s campus.
(Button: Get Directions)
Guided tours of the Centre Furnace Mansion explore:
- The charcoal iron industry in Centre County
- The story of Centre Furnace
- Connections between Centre Furnace and Penn State
- The furnished ironmaster’s Mansion
- The Furnace stack (weather permitting)
Tours can also focus on:
- Historic furnishings
- Architecture
- Gardens
- Special areas of interest
Tour Length: 60–90 minutes
Group Size: Up to 20 visitors
Admission: Free (suggested donation $4/person)
Advance Notice: Please schedule at least 2 weeks ahead
Boogersburg One-Room Schoolhouse Tour
Experience a day in the life of a 19th-century student.
1021 Fox Hill Road, State College, PA
Located approximately 2.5 miles from Centre Furnace Mansion.
(Button: Get Directions)
Built in 1877, Boogersburg School gives students a hands-on look at education in a one-room schoolhouse.
Tours include:
- Classroom lessons
- Historical activities
- Recess time (weather permitting)
Teacher docents will “teach” a class based on curriculums for:
- Grades 1–2
- Grades 3–4
- Grade 5
Tour Length: 60–90 minutes
Admission: Free (suggested donation $4/person)
Advance Notice: Please schedule at least 2 weeks ahead
Planning Your Visit
Accessibility
Centre Furnace Mansion
- Wheelchair accessible on the ground and first floors
- Second floor accessible by stairs only
- Please notify staff of any special accommodations
- Two accessible restrooms available on the ground floor of the Mansion
Boogersburg School
- Wheelchair accessible by stair ramps
- Please note there are two steps lead to porch level
Student Guidelines
Help us protect these historic spaces:
- Stay with your docent, teacher, or chaperone
- Please touch only items provided by guides
- Use indoor voices
- Raise your hand to ask questions
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 and Boogersburg School.
Visit the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau for other attractions, dining, and lodging facilities in Centre County and the Penn State area.
Lunch & Facilities
Centre Furnace Mansion
- Picnic space available on the grounds, weather permitting
- Hearth Room available for groups up to 20
- Two accessible restrooms available
Boogersburg School
- Outdoor lunch space available
- Outdoor restroom available
Please let us know ahead of time if your group plans to stay for lunch.
