Explore famous collections, historic houses, and museums showcasing Pennsylvania's unique history.
Wednesday, September 4
Harriton House - Bryn Mawr, PA (2024): Built in 1704 by Welsh Quaker Rowland Ellis, Harriton House originally served as a plantation home. The house is named after Harriton, the estate's original name derived from Ellis' birthplace in Wales. In the 18th century, it became the residence of Charles Thomson, the Secretary of the Continental Congress, who lived there from 1774 until his death in 1824. Today, Harriton House operates as a museum, offering insights into colonial life and Thomson's contributions to American independence.
Wednesday, September 11
National Canal Museum - Easton, PA (2024): The National Canal Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of America's canal era. Situated in the heart of the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, the museum offers a comprehensive look at the vital role canals played in the 19th-century transportation and industrial revolution. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that showcase the technology, engineering, and daily life of canal workers. The museum also features extensive collections of canal artifacts, photographs, and documents, providing an in-depth understanding of the significance of canals in the development of the United States.
Wednesday, September 18
Lebanon County Historical Society - Lebanon, PA (2024): The Lebanon County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Lebanon County. Established in 1898, the society houses extensive collections of artifacts, documents, and photographs that chronicle the region's heritage from its earliest settlements to modern times. The society also manages the Stoy Museum, named after Dr. William Henry Stoy, one of Lebanon's prominent early citizens. The museum showcases exhibits on local industries, military history, and notable figures from the area.
Wednesday, September 25
First Regiment Infantry Collection - Philadelphia, PA (2024): Beginning in the 1720’s with the Artillerist of the Society Hill Battery, the lineage of the First Regiment Infantry NPG runs through the Associator Artillery of 1747 organized by Benjamin Franklin supporting the Revolutionary War through the Civil War. Fighting as the 109th Infantry during World War I and as the 103rd Engineers in World War II, and recently serving in the Middle East, the “Dandy First” continues almost 300 years of unbroken service to our State and Nation. The collection, housed in the 103rd Engineer Armory on the Drexel University campus, includes uniforms, weapons, documents, and memorabilia that span the regiment's long history. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the regiment's participation in key historical events, from the American Revolution through modern military engagements.
Wednesday, October 2
Carpenters’ Hall is located in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district, now serves as a museum. It was once the site of the First Continental Congress in 1774 and also hosted Benjamin Franklin's Library Company, The American Philosophical Society, and both the First and Second Banks of the United States.
Wednesday, October 9
Join It's History! as we tour the Grey Towers National Historic Site. Grey Towers was built in 1886 and was the home for former PA Gov. Gifford Pinchot. Pinchot was also the founder and first chief of the U.S. Forest Service.