Category: Historical
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- 4/15/20
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Homeschoolers’ Day -postponed
Due to the COVID 19 outbreak, this program has been postponed, call 717-599-5751 to be notified of rescheduling.A workshop about regional Native American Indians! Students in grades 2-6 and their parents love this hands-on workshop and the tour the Fort Hunter Mansion. The visit, including time for a bag lunch, runs just under 4 hours. In the 1 ½ hour workshop students will furnish a wigwam, practice with a throwing stick, participate in hands on activities and more. Then they’ll tour the Mansion to see how people lived at Fort Hunter in the early 1900s. Because of space limitations, only students in the 2 – 6 grades will participate in the program, other activities must be provided for other children in the family.
$5 students, $3 adults, pre-register at 717-599-5751.
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- 4/16/20
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Homeschoolers’ Day - postponed
Due to the COVID 19 outbreak, this program has been postponed, call 717-599-5751 to be notified of rescheduling.A workshop about regional Native American Indians! Students in grades 2-6 and their parents love this hands-on workshop and the tour the Fort Hunter Mansion. The visit, including time for a bag lunch, runs just under 4 hours. In the 1 ½ hour workshop students will furnish a wigwam, practice with a throwing stick, participate in hands on activities and more. Then they’ll tour the Mansion to see how people lived at Fort Hunter in the early 1900s. Because of space limitations, only students in the 2 – 6 grades will participate in the program, other activities must be provided for other children in the family.
$5 students, $3 adults, pre-register at 717-599-5751.
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- 5/3/20
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Garden Faire
Kick off your gardening season at Garden Faire and celebrate the opening of Fort Hunter Mansion. Purchase some plants, try your hand at croquet, explore the craft show, dance a Maypole dance, try on a Victorian outfit and have a scrumptious lunch. Returning this year, the cultured game of croquet will be demonstrated in the barn green.Visit 45 craft vendors and the Friends of Fort Hunter Plant Sale. And of course there’s tasty food available for purchase, Ikebana and Bonsai exhibits, Maypole dances, Victorian music and cake walks, as well as The Paxtang Art Association’s show and sale. Fort Hunter Mansion tours will include viewing the Needle Arts Exhibit. Many thanks to the Pennsylvania Bakery for donating the favorite Teapot Cake for the cakewalk. Craft vendors can download the application for our 2020 event here. Free
Schedule of Events Throughout the Day Café Food Stand Dirt Therapy Needle Arts Exhibit Bees, Natives and Rain Gardens Friends Plant Sale Ikebana International and Bonsai exhibits Paxtang Art Show and Sale Mansion tours Vendors/crafters Victorian displays Garden chats 12- 2 p.m. Children’s activities 10-4 p.m. Victorian Dance Ensemble & Susquehanna Travellers 12 & 1:30 p.m. Cakewalks 12:30 & 2 p.m. Cemetery Walk with Dr. Donald Koones 1 p.m. Birdwalk 2 p.m. Croquet Demonstration 2:30 p.m. Maypole Dance 1 & 2:15 p.m.
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- 5/3/20 to 6/14/20
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Needle Art Exhibit
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View the handiwork of local needle artists from Susquehanna, York White Rose and Nittany Valley chapters of the Embroiderers Guild of America. The needle works will be on display from May 3 through June 14 and can be viewed on a tour of the Mansion, during museum hours, regular admission charged. Discounted group tours are available and can be arranged by calling 717-599-5751. For information on other local needle works opportunities visit halfmoonhandwerks.com.
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- 8/22/20
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For Families - Native Americans Along the Susquehanna
Experience what life was like for Native American Woodlands people living along the Susquehanna River hundreds of years ago. Throughout this two hour program you and your children will hear stories, make crafts, visit a wigwam, handle artifacts and play Native American children’s games. This special workshop is designed for adults and young children (ages 5-10) to participate together as they work, learn and play.This program is ideal for young families, grandparents and grandchildren and aunts and uncles with their nieces and nephews who want to have fun and enjoy time together in a planned learning experience. If younger children need to come with the family, there is no charge for under 4 years old but adults must provide additional activities for them.
Preregistration is required. $5 per person.
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- 9/9/20 to 10/2/20
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Archaeology Excavation
Will this be the year that we find evidence of the original Fort? The search continues. Since 2006 the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission archaeologists have been looking for the remains of the 1750’s French and Indian War fort. Based on historical accounts and archaeological findings, the British supply fort is in the vicinity of the Fort Hunter Mansion.Work in 2020 will focus on the areas behind and to the west of the rear Mansion where an earlier excavation revealed plentiful artifacts. Past discoveries have included a French and Indian War bake oven, a cannon ball, Reily pet dog skeletons and many artifacts from the Reily era. Although the Native American occupation of Fort Hunter dates as early as 9000 years ago, the most intensive occupation dates to between 2000 and 4000 years ago and findings include cooking hearths, early clay pottery, stone axes and stone spear points.
Open on weekdays only, except Fort Hunter Day, Sunday, September 20. Work is cancelled for rain. Free
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- 9/20/20
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Fort Hunter Day
Fort Hunter Day ushers in fall with a free celebration of the old-time way of life. Sponsored by M&T Bank, visitors will find arts and crafts, children’s games and activities, historic demonstrations and exhibits, entertainment, a bake sale, festival food and more.View a butterfly habitat, visit with the PA Honey Queen, see old farm implements and hear a street organ played. Learn about native foods – pawpaws, persimmons, hickory and shagbark hickory nuts and sassafras.
Visit Heckton Church throughout the day to enjoy casual musical offerings, Saint Thomas Dulcimer Society 12 – 2p.m.. View antique tractors, a 1947 Mac fire engine and an antique hammermill from private collections.
Archaeologists from the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission will be excavating in the side yard of the Mansion to find the 1750s Fort at Hunter’s Mill.
Throughout the day enjoy musical entertainment on the corncrib stage in partnership with the Susquehanna Folk Music Society.
Click here for craft vendor application.
Sincere thanks to event sponsor M&T Bank for their support of this fun, family day. Free
Highlights
Butterfly Habitat Demonstration Arts and Crafts Show Honey Bee Queen Dairy Cow Chalk Art Demonstration Antique Tractors, Fire Engines, Old Time Wagon and Tools Children’s Hands-on Activities Heckton Church Concerts – Saint Thomas Dulcimer Society McAllister Cemetery Walking Tour, 1 pm Hay rides Children’s Games and Play Area Archaeology Excavation and Interpretation Pretzel Purveyors Strolling Musicians – “Gents Night Out” barbershop Craft Demonstrations – native foods demonstration, apple butter making, spinning and weaving, quilting, needlepoint, soap making, woodworking, bee keeping, chair caning, home canning Mansion Tours – $3.00 Quilt Exhibit – African-American Quilters Gathering of Harrisburg Children’s Crafts Exhibits – Old Time Native Foods Corncrib Stage Entertainment –Susquehanna Folk Music Jam Session More »
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- 10/17/20
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For Families - Native Americans Along the Susquehanna
Experience what life was like for Native American Woodlands people living along the Susquehanna River hundreds of years ago. Throughout this two hour program you and your children will hear stories, make crafts, visit a wigwam, handle artifacts and play Native American children’s games. This special workshop is designed for adults and young children (ages 5-10) to participate together as they work, learn and play.This program is ideal for young families, grandparents and grandchildren and aunts and uncles with their nieces and nephews who want to have fun and enjoy time together in a planned learning experience. If younger children need to come with the family, there is no charge for under 4 years old but adults must provide additional activities for them.
Preregistration is required. $5per person.
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- 10/24/20
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"Hit the Road Educational Tour" Haunting Halloween Adventure
Join the Friends of Fort Hunter for a trip to Philadelphia to tour the home of Edgar Allen Poe and the Eastern State Penitentiary. Dr. Donald Koones will provide an energetic historical review of Poe and his home where he wrote “Black Cat” which describes the basement in the tour of the home and the Peniteniary, one of the most haunted places in the world.
Tickets on sale after May 1
$95 Non-Member, $85 Member
Trip itinerary:
- Bus departs Fort Hunter Centennial Barn parking lot at 8 a.m. and returns by approximately 7:30p.m.
- Escorted tour at Edgar Allen Poe Historic Site
- 12:15 Lunch on your own at Jack’s Firehouse, Urban Saloon, OCF Coffee House, Hickory Lane American Bistro, Fare, Philly Flavors or Fairmont Pizza and Grill
- Guided audio tour of Eastern State Peniteniary
- Comfort stop on the way home
Tickets include:
- Transportation by Cross Country Coach
- Admission to Edgar Allen Poe Historic Site and Eastern State Peniteniary and narration by Dr. Donald Koones
- Not included – Gratuity for the bus driver and lunch
- All sales are final, no refunds will be issued.
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- 11/11/20
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Homeschoolers’ Day
A workshop about regional Native American Indians! Students in grades 2-6 and their parents love this hands-on workshop and the tour the Fort Hunter Mansion. The visit, including time for a bag lunch, runs just under 4 hours. In the 1 ½ hour workshop students will furnish a wigwam, practice with a throwing stick, participate in hands on activities and more. Then they’ll tour the Mansion to see how people lived at Fort Hunter in the early 1900s. Because of space limitations, only students in the 2 – 6 grades will participate in the program. If younger children attend, families must provide other activities for those children.$5 students, $3 adults, pre-register at 717-599-5751.
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- 11/12/20
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Homeschoolers’ Day
A workshop about regional Native American Indians! Students in grades 2-6 and their parents love this hands-on workshop and the tour the Fort Hunter Mansion. The visit, including time for a bag lunch, runs just under 4 hours. In the 1 ½ hour workshop students will furnish a wigwam, practice with a throwing stick, participate in hands on activities and more. Then they’ll tour the Mansion to see how people lived at Fort Hunter in the early 1900s. Because of space limitations, only students in the 2 – 6 grades will participate in the program. If younger children attend, families must provide other activities for those children.$5 students, $3 adults, pre-register at 717-599-5751.
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- 11/28/20
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Toy Train Exhibit
Toy trains and Christmas are the stuff of memories. View passenger trains, freight trains and scenes reminiscent of Pennsylvania attractions and countryside at this annual event. Presented and operated by the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society, a magical wonderland of HO gauge trains unfolds on an 18X24 layout that may be viewed from all sides.Check it out from every angle. There is something for everyone as lights flash, burning buildings glow, sirens sound, cattle moo and Ferris wheels turn. Old and new trains will be displayed each week and for the annual visitor, exciting new additions are made each year. Thanks to the Friends of Fort Hunter for underwriting this popular attraction.
Open weekends only, November 28 – December 20, Saturday and Sunday 12:30 – 4:30 Free
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- 11/29/20
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Toy Train Exhibit
Toy trains and Christmas are the stuff of memories. View passenger trains, freight trains and scenes reminiscent of Pennsylvania attractions and countryside at this annual event. Presented and operated by the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society, a magical wonderland of HO gauge trains unfolds on an 18X24 layout that may be viewed from all sides.Check it out from every angle. There is something for everyone as lights flash, burning buildings glow, sirens sound, cattle moo and Ferris wheels turn. Old and new trains will be displayed each week and for the annual visitor, exciting new additions are made each year. Thanks to the Friends of Fort Hunter for underwriting this popular attraction.
Open weekends only, November 28 – December 20, Saturday and Sunday 12:30 – 4:30 Free
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- 12/1/20 to 12/23/20
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Christmas at Fort Hunter
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View the Mansion adorned for the holidays with traditional decorations of fresh greens and fruits, dried materials and fresh flowers. Guided tours highlight the seasonal trimmings and holiday customs of the Reily’s. Many thanks to the Civic Committee of the Garden Club of Harrisburg for their inspired decorating creations. Open through December 22, Tuesday – Saturday 10 AM- 4:30PM; Sunday 12 – 4:30 PM. Closed Mondays. Admission charged – $7 Adults; $6 Senior Citizens; $4 Students and Children
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- 12/5/20
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Toy Train Exhibit
Toy trains and Christmas are the stuff of memories. View passenger trains, freight trains and scenes reminiscent of Pennsylvania attractions and countryside at this annual event. Presented and operated by the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society, a magical wonderland of HO gauge trains unfolds on an 18X24 layout that may be viewed from all sides.Check it out from every angle. There is something for everyone as lights flash, burning buildings glow, sirens sound, cattle moo and Ferris wheels turn. Old and new trains will be displayed each week and for the annual visitor, exciting new additions are made each year. Thanks to the Friends of Fort Hunter for underwriting this popular attraction.
Open weekends only, November 28 – December 20, Saturday and Sunday 12:30 – 4:30 Free
More »
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- 12/6/20
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Toy Train Exhibit
Toy trains and Christmas are the stuff of memories. View passenger trains, freight trains and scenes reminiscent of Pennsylvania attractions and countryside at this annual event. Presented and operated by the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society, a magical wonderland of HO gauge trains unfolds on an 18X24 layout that may be viewed from all sides.Check it out from every angle. There is something for everyone as lights flash, burning buildings glow, sirens sound, cattle moo and Ferris wheels turn. Old and new trains will be displayed each week and for the annual visitor, exciting new additions are made each year. Thanks to the Friends of Fort Hunter for underwriting this popular attraction.
Open weekends only, November 28 – December 20, Saturday and Sunday 12:30 – 4:30 Free
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- 12/6/20
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Clear Toy Candy Making Demonstration
A sweet reminder of the past; clear toy candy making will be demonstrated in the summer kitchen of the Mansion during the Victorian Tea. This Pennsylvania-German tradition that dates back to the 1700s involves molding sugar into a hard-candy sculptures. This candy was, and still is, a traditional holiday gift among local Pennsylvanians; one-part play-thing, and one-part edible treat. Candy makers George Kopp and Gina Napoli will demonstrate in the Mansion summer kitchen during the Victorian Tea and have candies for sale. Free
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- 12/6/20
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Victorian Tea
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Sample sweet and savory treats as you sip cups of spiced tea and enjoy the Mansion adorned for the holidays with fresh greens and natural trimmings. Members of the Civil War Dance and Arts Society greet guests and pour the tea in 1860’s era costume. Enjoy the sounds of holiday music on harp and flute by Liz Weiner and Becky Boone. Clear toy candy making will be demonstrated in the summer kitchen. No reservations necessary. Admission $10 at the door.
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- 12/12/20
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Toy Train Exhibit
Toy trains and Christmas are the stuff of memories. View passenger trains, freight trains and scenes reminiscent of Pennsylvania attractions and countryside at this annual event. Presented and operated by the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society, a magical wonderland of HO gauge trains unfolds on an 18X24 layout that may be viewed from all sides.Check it out from every angle. There is something for everyone as lights flash, burning buildings glow, sirens sound, cattle moo and Ferris wheels turn. Old and new trains will be displayed each week and for the annual visitor, exciting new additions are made each year. Thanks to the Friends of Fort Hunter for underwriting this popular attraction.
Open weekends only, November 28 – December 20, Saturday and Sunday 12:30 – 4:30 Free
More »
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- 12/13/20
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Toy Train Exhibit
Toy trains and Christmas are the stuff of memories. View passenger trains, freight trains and scenes reminiscent of Pennsylvania attractions and countryside at this annual event. Presented and operated by the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society, a magical wonderland of HO gauge trains unfolds on an 18X24 layout that may be viewed from all sides.Check it out from every angle. There is something for everyone as lights flash, burning buildings glow, sirens sound, cattle moo and Ferris wheels turn. Old and new trains will be displayed each week and for the annual visitor, exciting new additions are made each year. Thanks to the Friends of Fort Hunter for underwriting this popular attraction.
Open weekends only, November 28 – December 20, Saturday and Sunday 12:30 – 4:30 Free
More »
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- 12/19/20
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Toy Train Exhibit
Toy trains and Christmas are the stuff of memories. View passenger trains, freight trains and scenes reminiscent of Pennsylvania attractions and countryside at this annual event. Presented and operated by the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society, a magical wonderland of HO gauge trains unfolds on an 18X24 layout that may be viewed from all sides.Check it out from every angle. There is something for everyone as lights flash, burning buildings glow, sirens sound, cattle moo and Ferris wheels turn. Old and new trains will be displayed each week and for the annual visitor, exciting new additions are made each year. Thanks to the Friends of Fort Hunter for underwriting this popular attraction.
Open weekends only, November 28 – December 20, Saturday and Sunday 12:30 – 4:30 Free
More »
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- 12/20/20
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Toy Train Exhibit
Toy trains and Christmas are the stuff of memories. View passenger trains, freight trains and scenes reminiscent of Pennsylvania attractions and countryside at this annual event. Presented and operated by the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society, a magical wonderland of HO gauge trains unfolds on an 18X24 layout that may be viewed from all sides.Check it out from every angle. There is something for everyone as lights flash, burning buildings glow, sirens sound, cattle moo and Ferris wheels turn. Old and new trains will be displayed each week and for the annual visitor, exciting new additions are made each year. Thanks to the Friends of Fort Hunter for underwriting this popular attraction.
Open weekends only, November 28 – December 20, Saturday and Sunday 12:30 – 4:30 Free
More »
