In a significant enhancement to the historical and educational offerings at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park have introduced new and improved “Windows to History” displays. These innovative exhibits, located at Fuller Lake and the old furnace stack, are the result of a collaborative effort that began in early 2022.
The original pilot project, initiated by the Friends group and the then-park Manager, featured transparent history displays made from old photos courtesy of the Cumberland County Historical Society. These images, printed on transparent plastic and mounted in wood frames built by the park’s maintenance crew, were a hit with park visitors.
Building on this success, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources central office has now upgraded these displays. The new installations, manufactured entirely in Pennsylvania by Lens Creek Studios and Graphics & Design, feature larger, more permanent metal frames and heavy glass. The explanatory text is now presented on separate panels, making the information more accessible to a wider audience.
These unique “Windows to History” displays allow visitors to look through semi-transparent old photos and align them with the current landscape. One display is situated at the east end of Fuller Lake, past the beach, while the other is near the iron furnace stack along Quarry Road.
The Friends of Pine Grove Furnace State Park are thrilled with the response to these exhibits and invite all visitors to experience the rich history of the park through these interactive displays. When you next visit Pine Grove Furnace State Park, be sure to check out these new improved “Windows to History” and delve into the fascinating past of this historic site
