Events

February 28, 2026 — Saturday at 10:00 and 2:00 — Friedensville Zinc Mine Tour

Members of the historical society are invited to join a special guided tour of the historic Friedensville zinc-mining site and the President Engine House led by Mark Connar, who presented to our society in 2024. The tour is of the 19th-century site, centered in the village of Friedensville. 

Tour Details:

• Date: Two times on Saturday, February 28th at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. (Snow Date: March 7th)

• Duration: 60–90 minutes

• Suggested Attire: Weather‑appropriate clothing, waterproof footwear, and a walking stick if needed. The tour follows established trails around the engine house, though some areas may be uneven.

RSVP: Space is limited. To reserve your spot, please email [email protected].

Rich zinc deposits discovered in the 1840s helped launch the first major zinc‑processing operations in the United States. The district became known for innovative technology, especially the President Pumping Engine, which began operating in 1872 and was then the world’s largest and most powerful single‑cylinder steam engine. It pumped enormous volumes of water from the Ueberroth Mine, one of the “wettest” mines in the country. Although the engine was scrapped in 1900, its stone engine house and the water‑filled mine pit remain key features. The New Jersey Zinc Company mine nearby is not included in the tour. 

Watch the presentation on our YouTube channel to learn more before the tour!

Not a member yet? Join now!