On Saturday, April 12, 2008, the Cumberland County Historical Society will once again sponsor a guided tour of the site known as Camp Michaux, in Cooke Township near Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The tours will begin at Pine Grove Furnace at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. From there, the group will drive the two miles to the location of Camp Michaux.
Camp Michaux has been the site of various events since the eighteenth century. This area began as a farm providing food to the workers at Pine Grove Furnace. In 1933 until 1942, 100 acres of the former farm were selected to be a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp. In 1942, the US Army selected the site for a top-secret interrogation center Prisoners of War. Prisoners, who potentially had strategic information that could benefit the Allies were sent to Pine Grove Furnace Camp for interrogation. After WWII, early in 1947 until 1972 the Presbyterian Church and the United Church of Christ leased the camp for use as a summer church camp, after which the State of Pennsylvania found no other uses for the camp, and in 1975 the camp was dismantled.
Today, careful examination reveals subtle evidence that demonstrates the variety of activities that occurred there over the more than 250 years. David Smith, Librarian at CCHS will lead the groups through the site and point out the surviving evidence of the activities from the 18th century through to the 1970s. For additional information, the book “Secret War at Home: The Pine Grove Furnace Prisoner of War Interrogation Camp”, written by CCHS volunteer John Bland is available for sale at the Cumberland County Historical Society.
To participate, please register at the Historical Society, by calling 249-7610. The cost of the tour is $6.00 for non-members and $5.00 for members. Please do not pay in advance. The walk will be given rain or shine. Please wear appropriate clothing. Heavy shoes or boots and long trousers are recommended.
The Cumberland County Historical Society is an active history center with an award winning museum, library, photo archives, educational center, museum shop and historic Two Mile House. The Historical Society’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret and promote research of Cumberland County history. Anyone interested in local history is invited to become a member. Call 249-7610 or visit our web site www.historicalsociety.com for more information and to see the museum virtual tour. Cumberland County Historical Society is located at 21 N. Pitt Street, in Carlisle Pennsylvania. Hours are Monday 3 to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the museum is free.
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The Cumberland County Historical Society and Hamilton Library Association is a nonprofit educational institution that has been preserving and sharing Cumberland County history since 1874.
Created 3-31-08
