HOWARD — The Roland Curtin Foundation will host Ownership Celebration Day on June 28, marking the first public celebration of the Foundation’s official acquisition of Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village, one of Pennsylvania’s most significant early central Pennsylvania industrial sites.

The event commemorates the Foundation’s acceptance of ownership on Dec. 18, 2025, a milestone that secures the long-term preservation of the nineteenth century ironmaking complex, workers village and Curtin family homestead. The site, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, operated from 1810 to 1922 and stands today as the Commonwealth’s longest-lived charcoal-fueled iron furnace operation.

The community is invited to come celebrate this historic milestone on June 28, at 1 p.m., at Curtin Village, 251 Curtin Village Road, Howard, Pa. The event will feature a brief program commemorating the transfer of ownership and recognizing the many individuals, organizations and supporters who have worked to preserve the site and secure its future.

More than 100 are expected to attend, including local and state government officials and members of the Curtin family. The Centre County Commissioners are set to proclaim July as “The Roland Curtin Foundation and Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village Month” at its June 25 meeting and read the proclamation at the celebration.

Following the program, guests are invited to enjoy a reception with fellow supporters of the historic property. At 2 p.m., a guided tour of the village and historic structures will be offered, providing visitors an opportunity to explore one of Pennsylvania’s most significant iron plantations and learn about its rich industrial and cultural heritage. A new exhibit, the Curtin Family Photo Gallery will debut.

Adding to the festivities, Irish dancers will perform during the afternoon celebration, highlighting the heritage of Curtin Village’s Irish immigrant founder.

As a special keepsake, the first 100 guests will receive a souvenir skeleton key. The key symbolizes the important role the community plays in preserving Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village and serves as a reminder that local residents and supporters are truly the key to the property’s future success.

“Ownership Celebration Day is more than a ceremony–it’s a renewed commitment to education, preservation and community engagement,” said Sue Hannegan, president of the Roland Curtin Foundation, the all-volunteer, 501(c)3 nonprofit that maintains the property. “This transition ensures that Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village will continue to serve as a place where history is not only remembered but experienced.”

Event Highlights

— Opening remarks by Foundation leadership and local officials

— Proclamation reading by Centre County Commissioners

— Ceremonial recognition of the site’s historic transfer from the Pennsylvania Historical and

Museum Commission who stewarded the property for over 50 years.

— Key Presentation and Reception with food and a celebratory toast

— Irish traditions in recognition of the Irish immigrants who founded the Iron Works

— Guided tour at 2 p.m. of the Iron Works, Workers Village and Curtin Mansion

The celebration also launches the Foundation’s 2026 season, which includes expanded

educational programming, new interpretive initiatives and ongoing restoration efforts supported by volunteers, donors and community partners.

With ownership now secured and a clear eye on long-term sustainability, The Roland Curtin

Foundation is launching an ambitious three-prong capital campaign totaling $3.8 million. The largest investment — $2.4 million — will restore historic structures, remedy long-standing building deficiencies and enhance the visitor experience, including the reconstruction of the Company Store and the transformation of the Curtin Rail Station into a dedicated Visitors’ Center.

A second goal — $1 million for ongoing operations and promotion — is already halfway achieved.

The final component, $400,000 for expanded educational programming and interpretation, will strengthen the site’s role as a regional learning destination. Early support has already begun flowing into all three categories.

The event is free and open to the public. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by emailing curtinvillage@gmail.com. The reception is sponsored by the Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association. The event will air live on 3WZ and be promoted on the radio station thanks to a sponsorship by CS Meyers & Son.

For additional information about the celebration or The Roland Curtin Foundation, please visit curtinvillage.com and Facebook.