MERCERSBURG, Pa. – The Conococheague Institute is hosting it’s first major event of the year in honor of the 250th Anniversary of the Nation’s founding. The event “1776: Hearth, Home, and Springtime” on Saturday May 9, is a free community living history experience focused on the everyday life of families during the American Revolution.
Themed around the Mother’s Day weekend, presenters from across the country will assemble to showcase the much under-told women’s history of the 18th century, including sheep shearing, hearth cooking, gardens and their medicinal uses, and horsemanship.
Presentations also include blacksmithing, beer brewing, music and more, showcasing a true working image of an 18th century farm. This is a free event with activities for young children, and history buffs alike, and pets are welcome.
Events will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. where visitors will experience a focus on the rhythms of domestic life, farming and food production in the 18th century.
What to experience:
• Historic sheep shearing throughout the day with professional shearer Jess Valenza
• Meet our sheep and goats, including adorable lambs and kids
• 18th-century hearth cooking and bake oven demonstrations
• Brewing demonstrations and tastings from Oakgrove Farm
• Blacksmithing demonstrations by Paul Janusz
• Cavalry horsemanship by Kaitlynn Fergeson
• Traditional music and entertainment by Robert Mouland
• Live 18th-century music from Forbes Road Frolic
• Animal ambassador meet and greet
• Garden tours (perfect for Mother’s Day weekend!)
• Historic house tours
• Hands-on children’s games and activities
• Craft vendors, food, beer, and ice cream
Food & Drink:
Enjoy offerings from local favorites including craft beer from Berg Brewing, unique fresh pretzels from The Pretzel Spot Cafe and amazing ice cream from Antietam Dairy.Event Details:
• FREE & family-friendly
• Pet-friendly
• Accessible parking available
• Event parking in adjacent field
• Special raffle prizes for members
• Donations support our educational programs serving 6,000 students annually
Location:
12995 Bain Road, Mercersburg. This event is supported by the Americana Corner Preserving America Partners program, along with F&M Trust, Renewal by Andersen, Middletown Valley Bank, Franklin County Visitors Bureau, Shady Spring Farm and Alera Group, who help make these experiences possible.
About us:
The Conococheague Institute is a hands-on regional learning center. We are headquartered within Rock Hill Farm, a well-preserved historic farmstead that was established in the early 18th century in southern Franklin County, Pennsylvania, near the village of Welsh Run. Our 30-acre site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and includes two historic house museums with outbuildings, a research library, two relocated historic log structures, walking trails with access to a pioneer cemetery, several historic gardens, an early childhood playground and picnic areas.
