2024 Spirits of the Furnace

The Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc., Cunningham Falls State Park, and Harriet Chapel present “Spirits of the Furnace” on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 6:30 p.m. (first show) to 9:00 p.m. (final show) “Spirits of the Furnace” is a slightly spooky, dramatized guided night tour through the historic Catoctin Iron Furnace and Village, with stops in historic structures and along the landscape. Each tour lasts 45 minutes.

Ticket Information:

• $15 for adults
• $10 for children (12 and under)
• $2.85 automatic Eventbrite booking fee added to ticekt(s)

All proceeds benefit the preservation and interpretation of the historic village. Admission is limited to 90 (15 per group beginning every half hour) and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Please be aware that we will verify the name on your reservation at the event. Ensure that your ticket purchase is made through our official Eventbrite posting. Only tickets purchased through our authorized channel will be accepted.

Directions for Spirits of The Furnace:

Arrive Early: Please arrive at the site 20 minutes before your scheduled tour time. This will give you ample time to get ready and sign in. Refreshments will be available at the Museum of the Ironworker.

Sign In: Be sure to sign in at The Museum of Ironworker at least 10 minutes prior to the your ticket's tour start time. Late arrivals might not be accommodated on a later tour and may miss parts of the experience.

Bring a Flashlight: As the tour and performance occur at night, a flashlight is essential for visibility. Ensure it is fully charged and operational.

Wear Sturdy Footwear: Choose comfortable, supportive shoes suitable for uneven terrain, trails, and gravel. Good traction is important for safety.

Prepare for Stairs and Historic Buildings: Expect stairs and historic buildings that might not be ADA accessible. Be ready for these challenges as you explore.

Expect Diverse Terrain: The tour will involve walking through trails, wooded areas, and up and down gravel inclines. Dress appropriately for the weather and terrain.

Embrace the Spooky Atmosphere: Enjoy the spooky performance with eerie encounters and chilling stories in the unique outdoor setting.

Respect the Cast and Tour Guides: Do not touch, harass, or shine your flashlight or cell phone light into the eyes of cast members. Tour guides have the authority to end the tour if necessary.

Adhere to Policies: By purchasing a ticket, you agree to follow the policies and directions set by the tour guides and event organizers.

Follow Safety Instructions: Pay attention to any safety guidelines provided by the staff to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

So, what is "Spirits of the Furnace"?

The scenes encountered during “Spirits of the Furnace” are based on actual events and those reported through oral history in the village.

In 1774, Catoctin Furnace was built by four brothers to produce iron from the rich deposits of hematite found in the nearby mountains. The skills of enslaved Africans and freed African American ironworkers made cannons and cannonballs used during the American Revolution. For more than 130 years, furnace workers and their families lived in company houses alongside the furnace stack. Throughout the nineteenth century, the furnace produced iron for household and industrial products. Catoctin Furnace ceased production in 1903.

The village of Catoctin Furnace maintains the layout and structures built from 1774 to 1820 with remarkably few modern intrusions. A visitor to Catoctin Furnace is introduced to the historical importance and heritage resources of the area. The look and feel of the early industrial complex illuminates the lives and legacy of enslaved and freed African Americans as well as European immigrants. For the past 52 years, the Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc. has worked to commemorate, study, preserve, protect, and interpret the historic village located 12 miles north of Frederick on Maryland Route 806 (Catoctin Furnace Road). For more information, call 240-288-7396 or visit www.catoctinfurnace.org.

Host or Publisher Catoctin Furnace Historical Society, Inc.