WALKING TOUR: Historic Village of Anthracite

Step back in time this spring and explore one of Cornwall’s most storied communities during a Historic Walking Tour of the Village of Anthracite, scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026.Tours begin on the hour between 10 am and 3 pm.

Local historians L. Susan Wentzel and Michael Trump will lead visitors through the former

mining village of Anthracite (also known as Goosetown), once home to generations of iron

workers whose labor fueled Cornwall’s industrial past. As you stroll through the village streets, you’ll learn about the people who lived and worked here, the development of the community beginning in the mid-19th century, and the vital role Anthracite village played in the region’s history.

The experience concludes with a rare opportunity to tour the interior of a former miner’s home, offering an intimate glimpse into daily life in the 1800s. Visitors will see firsthand how working class families lived - clustered in villages near their places of work - in homes that shaped both family routines and community life during the height of industrial production. A special treat awaits inside: the homeowners’ personal collection of historic artifacts and memorabilia related to family life in that time period.

Tours are $15 per person, or $10 for members of the Friends of Cornwall Iron Furnace and are open to history enthusiasts of all ages. Reservations are required and may be made by calling the Furnace during operating hours at 717-272-9711. Payment will be accepted in cash at the beginning of the tour. Tours last approximately one hour, and visitors are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather. Saturday, April 25, 2026, will serve as the rain date. Whether you’re a longtime Cornwall resident or a first-time visitor, this walking tour offers a meaningful and memorable way to connect with the village’s past.