Welcome to the Centre County Historical Society online! CCHS is the oldest and largest of the county's historical organizations and has celebrated the rich heritage of Centre County for over 100 years.

18th Annual Plant Celebration Saturday, May 11th 9am-2pm

Exhibit: A Common Canvas: Pennsylvania's New Deal Post Office Murals Sun/Wed/Fri 1pm-4pm

The Centre County Historical Society is headquartered at the Centre Furnace Mansion (pictured below), a restored and furnished ironmaster's home listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This historic mansion and nearby iron furnace stack represent the 18th century beginnings of the charcoal iron industry in this area, and the 19th century birthplace of the Pennsylvania State University. In addition to the Mansion and Furnace Stack, CCHS aslo cares for the historic Boogersburg School one-room school house.

Centre Furnace Mansion Tours: Sun/Wed/Fri 1pm-4pm

Boogersburg School Group Tours by Appointment

Explore our website to learn more about our county's history and iron industry; the Centre Furnace Mansion, gardens and grounds; our collections, educational programs, events and exhibits; and efforts in historic preservation. (Please note: Centre Furnace Mansion will be closed on Friday May 10th in preparation for our annual Plant Celebration, and on May 25-27 in observation of Memorial Day. See "Hours of Operation" below for details.)

What's New Pa Civil War 150 Road Show comes to Centre County Civil War Era Fashion Show CCHS receives PHMC Keystone Grant More news... Exhibits A Common Canvas: Pennsylvania's New Deal Post Office Murals Tools for Working Wood Centre County's Iron Industry More exhibits... Upcoming Events May 11: The 18th Annual Plant Celebration, 9:00am-2:00pm May 15: History Talk: A War, Three Women, and a Tradition. 7:00pm Jun. 30: History Talk: Flying the Mail in Centre County, 2:00pm More events...