WAYNESBORO, Pa. — Renfrew Museum and Park marked the nation’s 250th anniversary with a full day of living history programming July 25, offering visitors an immersive look at Revolutionary-era life through demonstrations, exhibits and guided tours.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., attendees explored free activities across the grounds, including tours of the decorated museum house and galleries, as well as presentations highlighting early American history. A Snow Hill Cloister presentation featured author and historian Terry Barkley, providing historical insight into the period.
Living historians portraying Continental Army soldiers and local militia engaged with visitors throughout the day, demonstrating military drills, daily routines and camp life. Cooking demonstrations in the summer kitchen showed how soldiers prepared food, including beans cooked over open flames.
At one point during the event, a historical interpreter read the Declaration of Independence, reflecting how the document was shared with communities following 1776, when individuals traveled from town to town to announce independence.
The event also featured the unveiling of the new America250 exhibit at 2 p.m. at the Visitor Center. Additional Royer Museum House tours highlighting patriotic decorations and exhibit elements were offered at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., with admission required for the Museum Farmstead Tour.
The event invited visitors to step back in time and experience the spirit of 1776 through hands-on, small-scale living history that illustrated the realities of those who fought for American independence.
