Board games are fun! But they are also important cultural artifacts. In this presentation, Jim Polczynski explores a fascinating survey of antique, vintage, and modern board games, including a few not yet published, that focus on mining and iron and steel production. He will also place these games within the broader context of industrially themed board games, examining how play reflects work, technology, and society.
An avid board game player, Jim Polczynski has been collecting, researching, and writing about board games for more than three decades. He is the author of Souls of Iron: A Remarkable Story of an Industrial Family Dynasty Spanning Over 150 Years, A History of Mystery and Detective Games: 1889–1969, and the forthcoming The Journey of the Printed Strategy Game. Jim also serves as President of the Cornwall Iron Furnace Associates. Selected games discussed in the program will be on display for a closer look.
Join the Cornwall Iron Furnace Association at Cornwall Iron Furnace on Sunday afternoons this February for a bite-sized history lesson on a variety of engaging topics. These mini-lectures are condensed versions of our popular monthly educational programs, presented by knowledgeable local historians at the Museum Visitor Center. This short-and-sweet format offers an accessible introduction to the fascinating influence of our industrial heritage. Free to attend! While you’re here, consider adding a guided furnace tour to enhance your visit!
