Through the efforts of Kutztown University archaeology students, visitors will be able to see a new attraction at this year's Hay Creek Festival at Historic Joanna Furnace - artifacts that were unearthed at the site of the former Ironmaster's Mansion.

This past summer, Hay Creek Valley Historical Association (HCVHA) partnered with the Kutztown University students for a four-week field school program during which the students completed the excavation project. According to Mark Zerr, HCVHA executive director, the Ironmaster's Mansion was torn down in 1960 by Bethlehem Steel, which previously owned the property. Part of the mansion's stone foundation is still evident.

"When we acquired the site, we didn't have the mansion. We knew where it stood and had photos of the exterior of the mansion but had no idea what it actually looked like inside," noted Zerr.

During the archaeological dig, students used ground-penetrating radar to look for anomalies in the ground, after which they uncovered the northern basement wall of the ironmaster's home.

"They worked four weeks straight from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day," Zerr reported. "Once they got down to the cellar, they went below the cement floor, and they found a wine glass and a penny from 1820. You have to assume that (the penny) was dropped (during that time period)."

The mansion privy was also excavated where various artifacts were discovered. "They were digging in the privy and went down through four feet of topsoil. Then they got to a clay level, and they found a layer of bricks. They pulled out over 200 bricks," Zerr shared. "Once they got through the brick layer, they pulled out china, glassware and bottles."

Items uncovered by the students will be on display during the festival on Saturday, Sept. 10. "Kutztown University students are coming to the festival on Saturday to talk about their dig and bring their artifacts to show to the public," Zerr noted. "They cleaned them, cataloged them, and part of their plan is to actually put an exhibit together for us when they are ready."

The Hay Creek Festival will run from Friday through Sunday, Sept. 9 to 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the grounds of the Historic Joanna Furnace, 1250 Furnace Road, Morgantown. For more information, visit http://www.haycreek.org.