The Roland Curtin Foundation, in collaboration with the America250PA initiative, will be celebrating National Pennsylvania Day through the ‘Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’ program. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, at Eagle Iron Works in Curtin Village, Howard, PA. Interested volunteers can sign up HERE.

Nestled within the foundation walls of the Ironmaster’s office building (now gone) are the remnants of an herb garden that was established over four decades ago. This mini-grant project is designed to replace the existing flagstone pathway on a new limestone sand base, eliminating accessibility hazards, improving soil conditions, and planting additional herbs where needed. This project merges history, nature, and local volunteer involvement to enhance visitor experiences and enrich the site's educational and historical value.

The scope of work for this project will remove all of the existing flagstones, restack the perimeter foundation wall where necessary, hand excavate the area below the walkway to a depth of four to six inches, install geofabric, four inches of limestone sand base, reset the existing flagstone, top dress the planting area with a mixture of topsoil, compost, and sand, replant herbs removed prior to the start of the project and insert new herbs where necessary, and mulch accordingly.

Restoration of the herb garden will transform a long-admired but previously neglected feature on the grounds of Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village, opening up exciting opportunities for expanded site interpretation. Programming that highlights the importance of herbs and their connection to local traditions, along with hands-on workshops, culinary demonstrations, herb talks, and youth engagement activities, not only enriches visitor experiences but also strengthens the site’s public education and community outreach efforts.

The anticipated outcomes of this project include enhanced visitor engagement and educational outreach through expanded programs and interpretation, restoration of historical accuracy for native plants, improved biodiversity through the reintroduction of native species, and the promotion of sustainability and environmental stewardship. These efforts aim to create an immersive, educational, and culturally enriching experience for all visitors while preserving the historical integrity of the site.

With the resurgence of this herb garden, Curtin Village aims to energize our past volunteers and others to contribute their time and skills toward maintaining and preserving a newly improved garden site. The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau has been a strong supporter and partner for our efforts to revitalize and enhance Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village as a tourist destination in Centre County, and we anticipate that support to continue. And most importantly, involving our youth historians cultivates their skills and fosters a sense of stewardship for history and nature. Saving Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village for future generations requires the involvement of today’s youth. Each component of the historic site adds diversity and interest to building these partnerships.

About America250PA

The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the General Assembly and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania's integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation's past, present, and future. The Commission comprises current and former Pennsylvania leaders, celebrating the rich history and diversity of the state.

America250PA aims to engage all citizens of the Commonwealth, from each of its 67 counties, in creating a statewide celebration and incorporating the Commonwealth's history into the conversation. That shared history provides us with a foundation to understand better the origins and diverse viewpoints on the challenges affecting both our Commonwealth and our nation. The Commission's ability to communicate its vision, engage various audiences, and encourage inclusive and cohesive participation is key to a successful America250PA. The visionary framework – especially our E.P.I.C. theme of Educate, Preserve, Innovate, and Celebrate, contains the essential messaging to bring the Semiquincentennial to life across the Commonwealth.

For more information, visit www.america250pa.org.

About the Roland Curtin Foundation

Founded by Irish immigrant Roland urtin and Pennsylvania native Moses Boggs, Eagle Iron Works and its employees produced and processed iron from 1810 through 1921. From 1831 onward, the 15-room Federal-style ironmaster’s “big house” known as “Curtin Mansion” was home to four generations of Curtin ironmasters and their families. Most notable is a family member and Civil War Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin, the son of founder Roland Curtin. A fire destroyed Eagle Furnace in 1921 and brought an end to ironmaking at Eagle Iron Works – Pennsylvania’s last operational charcoal ironmaking facility. The Commonwealth, represented by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), acquired the historic site in the late 1960s and subsequently partnered with the Roland Curtin Foundation (RCF) to restore its principal structures in the mid-1970s. The site, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was then opened to the public through the efforts of RCF volunteers, who have continued in that capacity since the organization's incorporation in 1966. The next chapter in this unfolding history is being written as RCF takes ownership of the site from the Commonwealth, with the transfer anticipated to occur in summer 2025.