Cornwall Trail Head

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, the Cornwall Iron Furnace Associates (Friends of the Cornwall Iron Furnace) unveiled a new three-sided interpretive signage panel at the Cornwall Trailhead of the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail (LVRT). This thoughtfully designed addition highlights Cornwall’s rich iron industry heritage, offering trail users a deeper connection to local history.

The non-profit Associates, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, created three panels featuring the history of the iron furnace, surrounding mining villages, and a detailed map by historian Jared Blouch identifying 219 historic sites, complete with QR codes linking to additional content.

Led by Susan Wentzel, Chairwoman of the Interpretive Signage Committee, the project reflects years of collaboration beginning during COVID-era Zoom meetings. The team—Wentzel, Michael Trump, Mike Emery, Irv Muritz, Kathy Donaldson, and Don Muritz—previously installed similar signage on the furnace grounds.

The panels were produced by iZone Imaging using durable high-pressure laminate with clean-edge designs for outdoor use. Special thanks go to Jim Polczynski, President of the Associates, whose leadership secured community support, including a $2,000 contribution from Visit Lebanon Valley and approval from LVRT President John Wengert.

This project enhances public engagement with Cornwall’s past, blending expert research, interactive tech, and lasting craftsmanship to educate and inspire future generations.