The educational mission for Centre Furnace is to increase the public's awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the role this site played in the history of Centre County, and to be an advocate for its preservation and the development of its historic story through interpretation of the following themes:

• The charcoal iron industry at Centre Furnace (1791-1858) – its history, its economics, and its technology – and the role it played in the development of ironmaking as the major 19th-century industry in Centre County;
• The natural resources that led to the development of Centre Furnace, and their relationship to the historic landscape and the natural history of the Spring Creek Watershed;
• Centre Furnace Village – its industrial, architectural, social, and economic history, including interpretation of the Centre Furnace Mansion and grounds;
• The relationship of the Centre Furnace site to agriculture and education – the conversion of iron furnace company lands to agricultural purposes and the establishment and the development of the Farmers' High School into The Pennsylvania State University;
• The relationship of the Centre Furnace site to nearby Centre Region communities.