When visitors arrived at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site on July 4, they were invited to sign a mock Declaration of Independence with an authentic quill pen, marking the beginning of activities being held to celebrate Independence Day and the 245th anniversary of the signing of the historic document.

A ceremony featuring patriotic music and readings has been held at the site for the past 10 years, although it took place virtually in 2020. Jeff Jones, site manager, welcomed those in attendance to celebrate not only the holiday, but also the return of the in-person event.

The program, which was held on the front porch of the Ironmaster's Mansion, was presented by the Friends of Hopewell Furnace. Presenters included past park superintendent Edie Shean-Hammond, who is now a member of the Friends; Friends member Christine Emmert, author of "From Out the Fiery Furnace," a one-act play featuring the stories of life in the 19th century at Hopewell; singer Isabelle Stetka; and Stetka's grandmother, Francine Black, who provided keyboard accompaniment. Black is also artistic director of the Berks Opera Workshop.

"Christine and (the late) Francis Delmar put this program together 10 years ago, and we hope to continue to do it for years to come," Shean-Hammond stated. "This is everyone's celebration."

Musical selections included "America the Beautiful," "God Bless America," "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."

Emmert read selections from the patriotic poem "The Gift Outright." "It was (featured) at John F. Kennedy's inauguration by the poet who wrote it, Robert Frost," she noted.

Emmert also read the preamble to the Declaration of Independence, and Shean-Hammond read a list of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

According to http://www.facebook.com/HopewellFurnaceNHS, James Wilson is one of Hopewell Furnace's most notable connections to the Declaration of Independence. Wilson was recognized as a Supreme Court justice, drafter of the United States Constitution and signer of the Declaration of Independence. Wilson was also the brother-in-law of Hopewell's founder, Mark Bird.

"The Declaration of Independence and the subsequent victory in the Revolutionary War led a beacon of hope still felt around the world," said Sean-Hammond. "Even today, international visitors come to see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell as a great inspiration for freedom."

The ceremony ended with the signing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "Happy Birthday" to America. Attendees were provided lyrics to the songs so they could sing along.

Prior to the ceremony, neighboring French Creek State Park hosted a 1-mile walk to Hopewell along the Collier's Trail.

Visitors were also invited to enjoy tours by National Park Service rangers who led them through areas of Hopewell and spoke about the furnace, its history and some of the buildings at the site.

Hopewell Furnace is located at 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson. For more information, including details about activities happening at the site this summer, visit the Facebook page or http://www.nps.gov/hofu.