Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site in Elverson preserves an 18th- and 19th-century iron furnace complex and offers a variety of programming for the community. Heading it all is Jeff Jones, site manager, who recently shared information about what his job entails with the Community Courier.

Community Courier: What are some of your job duties?

Jones: I work to ensure day-to-day activities and longer-term projects that are coordinated and carried out appropriately amongst park staff. I work closest with the park staff that most often interact with the public via the visitor center and/or programming presented throughout the year. Together we plan special events, regular programming offerings, as well as off-site activities to help increase the public's awareness of, and hopefully interest in, Hopewell. I also represent the park with various local organizations made up of historic sites telling similar stories as Hopewell. Together we strive to cross-promote each other's sites and programs along with being a support network. Additionally, I collaborate closely with our official partner group, the Friends of Hopewell Furnace.

Community Courier: What is it like working at a national historic site?

Jones: It's pretty cool. So many people plan vacations and trips around national parks so it's neat being a destination for them. You get to interact with a variety of folks, from those very familiar with the National Park Service or Hopewell Furnace specifically to those who have no idea what the site is about, and you get to open their eyes to all that the park has to tell and offer. You've got various laws, regulations and policies that guide how we must carry out certain tasks, but there are also details that can be developed more at the park level, so I'd say there's a nice blend of structure and flexibility. You've got a broad support network between others along with regional and national offices. I previously worked in Washington, D.C., where walking to or from work in my uniform and flat hat often drew positive comments from passersby and even the occasional high five just for being a park ranger!  

Community Courier: What would people be surprised to learn about Hopewell?

Jones: I find people are most surprised by the variety of topics and activities the site has to offer. You usually start with explaining the site's role with the iron industry, which often leads to discussing a variety of technological advances and events that occurred throughout the 19th and 20th century related to Hopewell. Then, you start touching on the physical site, and we've got the various historic structures available to check out, the miles of trails to explore, the historic apple orchard and the sheep and steer that make up our historic farm. The site is also a popular spot for all kinds of photo ops like graduations, engagements and annual family pictures. 

Community Courier: What is your favorite part of the job?

Jones: I enjoy the variety my job has to offer. One moment I may be planning for a special event, the next I'm out in the field herding our sheep into their stall for the night. I enjoy being able to go for walks throughout the site either to check on something specific or to just go for a stroll. As a third-generation public servant, I take a lot of pride in working for my country and serving the American people. I've always loved history and loved telling people about history. Getting paid to carrying out a lot of tasks I'd happily do for free is a pretty sweet gig, and I try to regularly remind myself of how fortunate I am to have the career I do. 

Community Courier: What do you do in your spare time?

Jones: I try to stay active but also ensure I've got sufficient down time to take it easy as well. Though my knees don't allow me to run anymore, I try to average at least 3 and a half miles of walking a day. I very much enjoy traveling with my wife, Sarah, whether that be to a previously unvisited little town in Pennsylvania, going abroad or visiting close friends throughout the country. You can usually find me reading through a few books at a time, which often are related to history. I enjoy following various sports, but having grown up in the South, there will always be special place in my heart for all things NASCAR and college football.  I'm usually able to make it to a race or two each year with friends, and for almost 10 years now, I've made it to at least one University of West Georgia football game a season (to support) my alma mater.