Morgantown, PA - December is always a special time of year with the Christmas at Joanna event happening at Historic Joanna Furnace. Families will experience this festive event, 5 to 9 p.m. on the evenings of Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 30 to December 2. Here, young and old alike relive the spirit of Christmas in those uncertain, early Civil War years.

Mark Zerr, Hay Creek Valley Historical Association Executive Director, stated, “Our Christmas at Joanna Furnace Event is quite a popular holiday destination. Whether families come for unique holiday shopping, wonderful holiday treats, experiencing the candle lit 200 year old furnace complex, caroling, bonfires or even having the kids meet the Belsnickel . . . everyone is enthralled by the transformation of Joanna Furnace into a 19th century holiday experience”.

2012 marks one hundred and fifty years since the onset of the Civil War unleashed a new spirit of individuals and families. It was in 1862, L. Heber Smith, son of Levi B Smith, the Joanna Furnace Ironmaster, organized and recruited local young men to join his military unit, Company A, 128th Regiment, Pennsylvania Infantry. This new spirit set the tone for several Christmas seasons yet to come at Joanna Furnace. Many uncertainties were on the horizon. Nevertheless, its Christmas time and the Joanna Furnace families have no better time to celebrate than this most joyous Holiday season.