Experience America 250 Years Ago
As you plan your 4th of July Celebration, add Historic Harmony to your schedule! Come celebrate America 250 with Historic Harmony! On Tuesday June 30th we will walk back in time to experience what life what like in Harmony 250 years ago. Imagine fewer houses, more trees, native plants, historic hops and George Washington’s soldiers marching.
Where: Historic Harmony
When: 5pm – 8pm
Shops, restaurants, will be open for the whole day. And the Museum will be open for tours at 1pm and 2:30pm. So come early, get great parking, and come hungry!
Historical Programming
Live Demonstrations:
A typical visit to a museum provides you with a snapshot, a look back through time. Historic Harmony and the Harmony Museum has planned a free immersive history event to create an immersive and interactive way to experience our history. From 5-8pm March like George Washington did through town. You’ll have the chance to experience soldier’s from Beaver’s Fort Macintosh in Wood Street Park. They’ll show you how to march, how muskets were fired, and explain what life in camp was really like!
Love to cook? Learn how the Harmonists used the large bake oven, and what they cooked in it. The bake oven is located in the Harmony Museum Garden. Speak to the experts from 5-6pm.
Step back into America 250 years ago by crossing the threshold of Washington’s 1753 Cabin. Here, author Jason Cherry will be stationed to share his books and vast knowledge of the area and it’s history. He’ll be signing books in this auspicious setting. Cherry has captured the energy and spirit of the American Revolution, bringing it to life on the page. Grab your copy of his work and bring your questions!
Art:
If you have seen a painting of the American Revolution or America 250 years ago, there’s a good chance, you’ve gazed upon a Robert Griffing Painting. A local of Western Pennsylvania, his works hang in the Heinz History Center, and his books grace coffee tables across the country. This is your chance to meet and talk with the artist when you stop into Stewart Hall, adjacent to the Harmony Museum!
As if getting to meet Robert Griffing wasn’t enough for art and history enthusiasts alike, Stewart Hall will also host works by renowned American painter John Trumbull. From his early sketches of battle fields, which gave Washington vital information on weapons and troop movements, to his now famous portraits, Trumbull helped shape American History. The chance to view works of one of America’s most famous painters in our home town is one you won’t want to miss! Stop into the Bottlebrush Gallery for more art and for a free art activity for the kids!
Gardens:
Alexis Evans, Old Economy Village’s Historical Horticulturalist will be in the Museum/Wagner House Garden to talk about native plants, the harmonists, their sustainable cultivation of crops and how they became a key play in the agricultural industry. If you love to garden, love plants, or medicinal history, this stop is a must see for you. She is leading a garden renovation project for Harmony Museum and will be available for questions about Evans typically works out of Old Economy Village but is making the trip to Harmony for this historic America 25o event!
Fiber:
Did you know that the Harmonists brought the first Merino Sheep to the area? Fiber was an important part of this town’s history, helping it both survive and thrive. The Weaver’s Cabin will be open, and volunteers in period dress will demonstrate spinning and weaving. Come ask them your questions about sheep, sheering, shawls and more! Make your own mug rug while you’re there!
Additional Museum Properties Open for the Event:
Ziegler House: Experience a 19th century log cabin with historically accurate furnishings. Experience what life was like for our early neighbors with this immersive Museum property.
Wine Cellar: Step down into the historic Harmonist wine cellar. Access this spectacular feature through Stewart Hall.
Stop and Shop Harmony
Many local businesses will be open including the Linden Tree Antiques. 233 Mercer Street Harmony is bursting with early American antiquities and treasures! Don’t miss your chance to browse their wares and take home a piece of history. Harmony Decor and More can help you fit these antiques into your current decor as well as refresh your home!
If the shopping leaves you feeling parched, stop into the Harmony Inn! Ahead of the Living History Event, a hops and brewing expert will be hosting a talk about the Harmonists and skill for brewing, making wine, and Cider! Get the chance to try the Harmonist Dunkel recipe thanks to North Country Brewing and the Harmony Inn!
Lagerhaus Bakery will be open to showcase their beautiful location, as well as their mouthwatering treats and coffees! Make sure to stop in as you walk through the town square on your way to the Museum and Stewart Hall! Their patio will also be open for you to enjoy. The Crooked Spindle offers honey, and homemade items that are perfect for all of your gifting needs this Summer.
Neff Haus will offer a special red, white, and blue ice cream treat just for our event!
