Celebrate America’s 250th with Passport to History!

In 2026, our partner sites are bringing you an exciting year of milestone experiences to mark the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Check this page for the latest exhibitions, tours, and events at a glance. Or visit our Events calendar for activities by date. See how your community made history from the dawn of the American Revolution to today!

Film

The Fries Rebellion
Lower Macungie Township Historical Society
See this locally-produced, award-winning short docudrama about a little-known insurrection that occurred primarily in the German-speaking populations in and surrounding the “Lehigh Hills” Township in the late 1790s. This rebellion against a federal tax made waves at the highest level of the new government. Streaming and live screening information is available.

Fries Rebellion Journey – Explore local landmarks and learn about their role in the Fries Rebellion.

Exhibitions

The American Revolution
Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, Lehigh County Historical Society
The American Revolution was a seminal event in world history. It created the United States and gave our country its identity. Explore how the American Revolution transformed America, inspiring it with many of America’s noble ideals: commitment to freedom and liberty, equality, constitutionalism and self-government. Learn about the tremendous sacrifices made by ordinary people to gain independence and create a new nation.

A Glorious Enterprise: Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware
Washington Crossing Historic Park
This exhibit tells the story of George Washington’s legendary crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night,1776. The exhibit begins with the Continental Army’s two-week encampment at the Thompson-Neely House. Visitors experience camp life and discover why Washington made the bold decision to lead his army across the icy Delaware to strike Hessian forces in Trenton.

Soldier Health in Revolutionary Pennsylvania: 1776-1778
Washington Crossing Historic Park
This exhibit sheds light on the conditions of Revolutionary War encampments like the one at the Thompson-Neely House. Although not officially designated as a hospital, many sick and wounded soldiers convalesced there. This exhibit also explores where the army established temporary hospitals in the region and highlights on 18th-century colonial medicine.

Read This! The History of Media in Northampton County
September 25, 2025 – July 4, 2026, Sigal Museum, (Lehigh Valley 250 partner exhibition)
Explore the power of print, information, and misinformation in Northampton County during the American Revolution, and beyond.

Working Hands: Supplying a Revolution
October 3, 2025 – October 3, 2026, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, (Lehigh Valley 250 partner exhibition)
Discover how a community of Moravian pacifists wrestled with their convictions and beliefs while supplying one of the most important conflicts in world history through their Colonial Industrial Quarter.

Remembering 1776: Commemoration & Memory of the Revolution
January 15 – December 31, 2026, Sigal Museum
How do we remember the American Revolution—and why does that story keep changing? Explore how Northampton County has marked the nation’s founding across three major anniversaries: the Centennial in 1876, the Bicentennial in 1976, and today’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.

Moravians & the Revolution: Caught in the Crossfire
February 22, 2026 – January 17, 2027, Moravian Historical Society
Moravians and the Revolution paints a picture of a pacifist pietist community that found itself caught up in a conflict that would ultimately transform its way of life. Moravians in Pennsylvania had to walk a delicate balancing act between their religious ideals of pacifism and the interests of American patriots, the British government, and indigenous groups in the region.

Who lived in the Perkiomen Region in the 1700s?
Traveling exhibit February 2026 – April 2027, Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
In preparation for 2026, we commissioned a demographic study to learn who lived in the Perkiomen Region from roughly 1735 to 1835 (from the arrival of Pennsylvania Germans to the final period of the Gradual Abolition Act). General knowledge states that the region was primarily settled by white Pennsylvania Germans, but questions arise as to whether any Africans were here too. This exhibit will share the answers we have uncovered and the fascinating research methodologies that were used and will be offered to community organizations and schools to have on display.

America’s Second Revolution
March – May 2026, National Canal Museum, (Lehigh Valley 250 partner exhibition)
This exhibition will cover the industry and transportation that enabled the fledgling country to maintain its independence and its economic vitality. Audiences will learn from the stories of local people who were revolutionaries in the spheres of industry and transportation in the late-18th and early 19th centuries, and about the social impact of industrialization and changing working conditions on the region’s communities.

Window to Revolution: Pennsylvania Germans and the War for Independence
April 18, 2026 – February 27, 2028, Historic Trappe, Exhibition Opening on April 18
Focusing on the Revolution’s impact on the Greater Philadelphia region, this landmark exhibition will feature artifacts such as flintlock pistols, Continental currency, Henry Muhlenberg’s journals, a German translation of the Declaration of Independence, fraktur made by former Hessian soldiers, and much more.

These Truths are not Self-evident: Stories of the Revolution in the Perkiomen Region
April 17, 2026 – March 27, 2027, Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
The American Revolutionary era was a time of tremendous upheaval, including in central and western Montgomery County, PA, and this evidence survives in stories. This exhibit will use numerous stories that have been passed down to us as the basis for a “graphic novel.” Historical and anecdotal evidence will be presented to help exhibit visitors weigh fact and fiction, with an interactive device to help them determine their own answers.

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: Celebrating America’s 250th
April 18 through 2026, Slate Belt Heritage Center

On the Road to Freedom: American Independence & Innovation. Featuring Independent Manufacturers
May – December 2026, America on Wheels
The exhibition highlights the achievements of legendary independent manufacturers, including Hudson, Studebaker, Packard, Nash, and others—whose creativity and engineering excellence helped define the nation’s automotive identity. Visitors will experience a curated selection of vehicles that illustrate how these companies forged their own paths in a rapidly evolving industry. We invite you to explore this tribute to the nation’s independent manufacturers and the pioneering spirit that continues to drive American progress.

Stars and Stitches Forever – Community Quilt Challenge Exhibition
May 5 – December 11, 2026, Monroe County Historical Association
Quilters interpret their or their family’s journey to America and/or the area now known as Monroe County in honor of America’s 250th.

Cheers to 250: Brewing in America
May 16 – March 2027, National Museum of Industrial History, (Lehigh Valley 250 partner exhibition)
It’s a brewing industry takeover at the National Museum of Industrial History! From colonial hearths and bustling taverns to steam, to stainless steel, discover how brewing became an industry and impacted virtually all others in this museum-wide celebration for America’s 250th.

Dynamo! The Innovators, Inventors, and Architects of Revolutionary Change
A new traveling exhibition from the National Canal Museum, preview on May 28 at The Towpath to Tomorrow: A Taste of the Lehigh Valley event. What does it take to make a country? Sometimes it begins with a lump of coal, a canal, or an immigrant with a bold idea. This exhibition explores how the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor became one of the nation’s most inventive regions—where geography, grit, and ingenuity converged to power industries that built America. Iron, steel, and cement flowed from this corridor, but so did transformative ideas in medicine, science, the arts, and the humanities. The same innovative spirit that forged factories also shaped how we heal, learn, create, and imagine.

Revolution Retold: Commemorating American Independence in Art and Design
June 4 – October 18, 2026, Allentown Art Museum (Lehigh Valley 250)
This exhibition explores how artists and designers have answered the question of what does the American Revolution mean to us today, from 1826 through the twenty-first century.

Pieced Together: American Quilts Across Generations
June 8-October 18, 2026, Pearl S. Buck House
Explore American quilting traditions from the Civil War era to the present. This exhibit throughout the rooms of our museum will feature a remarkable range of quilts, from early utilitarian quilts reflective of 19th‑century life to contemporary art quilts, including pieces that have won awards in regional and national quilt shows.

Revolutionary Fraktur
June 12-April 25, 2027, Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
See a selection of 40 fraktur produced during the American Revolutionary period, 1763–1787.

Worcester Bicentennial Quilt
June 12-21, Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
The Worcester Township Historical Society is sharing their Bicentennial Quilt with the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center in June. This special quilt made 50 years ago to celebrate the United States’ 200th anniversary, features blocks with pieced and appliqued images of locations around Worcester in central Montgomery County.

General Happiness of People: Easton as a Revolutionary Capital
Opens July 11, 2026 (permanent), 1753 Bachmann Publick House, Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society
(Lehigh Valley 250 partner exhibition)
Step back in time at the 1753 Bachmann Publick House by exploring immersive, guided tours that bring 18th-century Easton to life, where you’ll meet historical figures, handle reproduction artifacts, and experience the sights, sounds, and stories of the American Revolution.

Evolution of the Pennsylvania Longrifle – Early Years
July 18, 2026 – October 18, 2026, Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
Long-rifles were finely crafted works of art that developed from the European tradition and had beautiful relief and incised carving. On loan from collectors, the long-rifles will showcase the workmanship and origins of these firearms.

Moravian Care and Cure: Bethlehem Medicine During the Revolution
July 23-April 25, 2027, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites
During the American Revolution, Bethlehem’s Moravian community cared for the sick and wounded in ways that distinguished them from nearly every other colonial settlement. Their doctors, nurses, and an exceptionally well-stocked apothecary developed an organized system of healing that blended clinical expertise, spiritual care, and careful attention to the rhythms of daily life, producing a medical culture that was unusually clean, disciplined, and humane for its time. That system was put to the test when the Revolutionary War arrived at Bethlehem’s doorstep.

The Spy Who Brought Surrender
September 2 – December 4, 2026, Williams Center for the Arts, Lafayette College, (Lehigh Valley 250 partner exhibition)
Lafayette at Yorktown (c. 1783), a painting by Jean-Baptiste Le Paon (1738–85) in Lafayette College’s Kirby Collection of Historical Paintings, depicts an important moment in the American Revolution. This exhibition explores the identity of the Black man included in this historical scene with the Marquis de Lafayette. Attributed as James Armistead Lafayette (ca. 1748–1830), this double-spy provided intelligence to the Marquis and General George Washington that ultimately resulted in the surrender of the British.

This Land: Reimagining the United States of America on its 250th Anniversary
September – December 4, 2026, Lehigh University Art Galleries (Lehigh Valley 250)
What does America mean—and who gets to define it? Lehigh University Art Galleries is inviting visitors to explore those questions through its new exhibition, This Land: Reimagining the United States of America on its 250th Anniversary, on view at the LUAG Main Gallery in Zoellner Arts Center. Through art, maps, music, historical objects and interactive experiences, This Land explores ideas of identity, belonging, place, freedom and the evolving meaning of America. The exhibition includes works from LUAG’s collection and beyond, along with historical materials from the C. F. Martin & Co. Archives. Visitors can also experience an interactive listening room, creative activities and a series of public programs designed to encourage conversation and reflection.

Tours, Trips, & Trails

George Taylor House – Guided Historic House Tours
May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, September 19, October 17
Take a step back in time and visit the historic George Taylor House, home of George Taylor, signer of the Declaration of Independence. Learn about Taylor’s remarkable journey from Irish immigrant to ironmaster, public servant, and founding patriot. This tour will highlight his life, his connection to Catasauqua, and the important role Pennsylvania iron played during the American Revolution. $10 Adults, Free for Members, Veterans, Active Military Personnel, and Children under 12. Tours will run for 30-40 minutes between 12:00 and 4:00 p.m and are held on the third Saturday of the month, May through October.

George Taylor Trail
Pennsylvania Signer of the Declaration of Independence and Ironmaster at Durham Furnace—munitions supplier for the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War 
The trail invites visitors to explore key locations throughout Lehigh Valley and Bucks County that trace George Taylor’s life—from the homes and businesses where he lived and worked to his final resting place at the Historic Easton Cemetery.
Self-Guided Tour Booklet
Check out a series of four videos highlighting his life was made through a 2024 Northampton County Hotel Tax Program grant.

Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites – Historic Bethlehem Tours
Enjoy a variety of special tours that walk you through the history of Bethlehem, from its Moravian roots and Revolutionary War heritage to its critical role in the rise of industrial history in America. In July 2024, the Moravian Church Settlement of Bethlehem, PA became a World Heritage Site.

Lehigh County Treasure Trail
As part of the America 250 celebration in 2026, Lehigh County, PA has curated a “treasure trail” to highlight Lehigh County’s rich past. Track the footsteps of early settlers, explore Revolutionary-era landmarks like Trout Hall in Allentown or ride along the Ironton Rail Trail, once a vital railroad corridor, now transformed into a thriving 9-mile recreational path.

Traversing the Ten Crucial Days Bus Tour
January 3 & 16, 2026, Washington Crossing Historic Park
Retrace the events of Washington’s December 25, 1776 crossing of the Delaware and military engagements at Trenton and Princeton.

In Search of the Declaration: A Historic Bus Tour of Easton, Trenton, and Philadelphia
Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society
Second Saturdays through December 12, 2026
Uncover the drama and intrigue behind America’s founding with private guided tours and behind-the-scenes experiences at Sigal Museum, Washington Crossing Historic Park, the 1719 William Trent House, and Christ Church Philadelphia. Lunch is at the historic Washington Crossing Inn.

Historic Trappe will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026 with major initiatives across its properties. Visitors will experience how German-speaking people were at the center of the political, military, and religious tensions that swept through Pennsylvania at the founding of the United States.

1) The Speaker’s House restoration will be completed and the house fully opened to the public for the first time in 2026. Follow us on social media for periodic updates about the restoration and donate to help support these efforts.

2) At the Muhlenberg House, tours will focus on the Muhlenberg family’s experience during the American Revolution when up to 32 people lived in the house at one time while seeking refuge from the war.

Bus Trip – Virginia’s Colonial Triangle: Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown
October 27-30, Berks History Center
Join the Berks History Center and White Star Tours for an educational, fun-filled journey through Virginia’s Colonial Triangle, tracing the story of America250 from the arrival of English colonists in Jamestown to the sophistication of Williamsburg, and concluding at Yorktown, the site of the final battle of the American Revolution. Duration: 4 Days & 3 Nights. Dates: October 27-30, 2026. Cost: $1,075 Double / $1,275 Single. Non-Members pay an additional $50 per person. Reservations are required.

Bus Trip – Fighting for Philadelphia: Forts Mercer & Mifflin, the Battle of Whitemarsh, and the Road to Valley Forge
November 21, Berks History Center
Join the Berks History Center for an immersive, all-day journey through the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777, a pivotal series of events that led to the temporary loss of the American capital but helped shape the foundation of the United States. Led by military historian Mike Harris, this guided tour provides expert commentary while traveling to key sites, including Forts Billingsport, Mercer, and Mifflin, as well as the Red Bank Battlefield. Learn how these forts, along with a chain of chevaux de frise erected shortly after the Declaration of Independence in July 1776, initially blocked British ships from reaching Philadelphia. Explore the dramatic overland campaign that began in June 1777, including the Battles of Brandywine, Paoli, Germantown, Clouds, and Red Bank. Discover how the Continental forces eventually retreated to Valley Forge by December, while British troops under General Sir William Howe spent the winter in Philadelphia. The day includes a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Cost: $210/BHC Member | $235/Non-Member. Reservations are required.

Events

Washington Crossing Historic Park – Don’t Miss the Boat!
December 25, 2026, marks the 250th anniversary of a pivotal moment in our nation’s founding: George Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware River. This courageous act, and the military victories that followed, turned the tide of the American Revolution and changed the course of American history forever.

In preparation for this once-in-a-lifetime milestone, Friends of Washington Park is creating a dynamic, world-class visitor experience at the park. Click the link above for exciting projects, events, experiences, and films.

Tea & Textiles: Textiles for the 250th! (Virtual Symposium)
January 31, 2026, Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
Enjoy three hour-long lectures by experts and learn what textiles can tell us about patriotism, fashion, and flags.

Philadelphia: The Federal Capital City
February 8, Friends of Hopewell Furnace
Sarah Bachan will present a talk on Philadelphia as the federal capital city.

Washington’s Birthday Celebration
February 15, 2026, Washington Crossing Historic Park
This family-friendly event features hands-on activities for kids, including Quill Pen Writing, Whirly-Gig Game making, and a soldiers’ drill. Visitors can also enjoy Colonial Cooking, Spinning, Blacksmithing, Musket Firing, Artillery demonstrations, and more. Children 12 and under are encouraged to participate in the park’s “Let’s Draw George” contest. Create a handmade birthday card or piece of art featuring George Washington in any medium or style—creativity is encouraged! Contest entries can be brought to the event, made onsite, or mailed.

Annual Meeting, Luncheon, and Lecture: “Benjamin Franklin and the Revolution at Home”
February 22, Monroe County Historical Association
with Dr. Carla J. Mulford, Penn State University
Members and Non-Members are welcome! Register by February 13, 2026

Book Lecture – Nobody Men: Neutrality, Loyalties, & Family in the American Revolution
February 21, Washington Crossing Historic Park (Hybrid program: in person & virtual)
with Dr. Travis Glasson
While the American Revolution is often told as a struggle between Patriots and Loyalists, at least one-third of the colonial population remained neutral. In this lecture, Glasson explores the experiences of the Cruger family, a transatlantic merchant family whose members navigated the war by prioritizing peace and personal survival over political allegiance. Their story reveals the complex choices faced by those who lived “in the middle” during a violent civil war and sheds new light on how revolutionary societies were shaped.

Book Lecture – Lincoln, Jefferson, and the Living Declaration with Harold Holzer
February 21, Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, Lehigh County Historical Society
Join America’s foremost Lincoln scholar for a lecture and book signing. This program will explore the political ideals of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln, and how their principles shaped our nation. Lincoln himself once said in 1861, “I have never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence.”

America250! Annual Family Concert – Allentown Symphony Orchestra
February 28, 2026
Get ready for a musical adventure through America’s early days, featuring amazing musicians performing powerful songs, beautiful classical music, and even some Broadway hits! You’ll hear the story of our country’s beginning, the incredible people who shaped it, and the ongoing journey for freedom—all told through music that will inspire and amaze you.

Moravians and the Revolution – a Talk by Dr. Scott Gordon
March 1, Moravian Historical Society
The American Revolution put Pennsylvania’s Moravians in a tough place. They wanted to remain neutral, but Patriots demanded that they choose a side and threatened to seize all their property if they didn’t. When military forces—troops on the move, prisoners, injured soldiers—occupied Bethlehem, Moravians had no choice but to transform the way they lived. This talk will be followed by an opening reception for the Moravians & the Revolution: Caught in the Crossfire exhibition.

17th Annual Antiques Show
March 7 & 8, Governor Wolf Historical Society
The unique feature about the Governor Wolf show is the period room settings that the dealers create in the restored 1795 Ralston-McKeen House. A cut-stone, center hall home, the Ralston-McKeen House with 6 corner fireplaces is the perfect backdrop for 18th and 19th century antiques. Two other historic buildings will be filled with antiques dealers – the 1785 Wolf Academy, birthplace of public education for all boys and girls in Pennsylvania, and the 1867 Monocacy School which also contains the Society’s museum highlighting the accomplishments of George Wolf, the 7th governor of Pennsylvania. All three buildings will be filled with antiques including country, folk art, original paint, and primitives.

Pennsylvania’s Birthday Open House
March, 8, Daniel Boone Homestead
The Daniel Boone Homestead Associates are excited to kick off the 2026 season with our annual Open House event – Pennsylvania’s Birthday. Formerly known as Charter Day, this event recognizes the day William Penn received his land grant for Pennsylvania from King Charles II of England in 1681. In observance of Pennsylvania’s founding, the Daniel Boone Homestead will offer an exciting open house and living history event featuring eighteenth-century demonstrations, trades, tours, colonial toys, games, and hands-on activities.

The Untold Revolution in Northampton County
March 8, Slate Belt Heritage Center
This talk explores what the lived experience of the American Revolution was like for people who lived it in Northampton County. Moving beyond famous figures and battlefield stories, Sigal Museum curator Tim Betz reveals how ordinary people in Northampton County experienced war, uncertainty, and dramatic social change. Drawing on local records, objects, and firsthand accounts, it offers a vivid, human look at how the Revolution unfolded close to home.

Americana Symposium – From Hubener to Medinger: Redware Potters of Southeastern Pennsylvania
March 13-15, Historic Trappe
This year’s symposium examines one of the most beloved aspects of American folk art—Pennsylvania German redware. Focusing on redware’s production, use, and collecting in southeastern Pennsylvania from the mid-1700s to mid-1900s, the second annual Americana Symposium provides fresh insights into renowned potters such as Georg Hubener and Samuel Troxel as well as lesser-known figures. It also delves into the work of twentieth-century potters including Jacob Medinger, considered the last of the traditional Pennsylvania German potters; Henry Chapman Mercer, founder of the Moravian Tile Works and Mercer Museum; and Mildred Weekes Keyser, a pioneering female potter.

“An Afternoon with Martha Washington” as portrayed by Alisa Dupuy of The Ladies of History
March 15, 2026, Washington Crossing Historic Park
Learn about Martha’s life growing up, her first marriage, her children, her meeting and marriage with George, and their trials and tribulations during the war.

Lecture & Book Signing: Decision at Brandywine: The Battle on Birmingham Hill, 1777
March 21, Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum
Learn the pivotal role the 1777 Battle of Brandywine played in the Revolutionary War with author Robert M. Dunkerly. Discover the significance of the Battle of Brandywine and hear eyewitness accounts of the soldiers who fought there.

Special Guided Museum Tour with the Curator: Moravians & the Revolutionary War
March 21, Moravian Historical Society
Join us for a special in-depth guided tour with Andy McLeod, the curator of collections and exhibitions. Moravians in Pennsylvania had a complicated role in the American Revolution. Through the objects in our permanent collection, visitors on this tour will learn how the Revolutionary War put the Moravians’ desire for freedom from entanglements with the outside world to the test—and how it ultimately transformed Moravian communities.

Founding Females—The Women of the Revolution
March 21, Weisenberg-Lowhill Township Historical Society
We will host Darlene Moyer for a talk about “Founding Females—The Women of the Revolution.” This program is part of WLTHS’s America 250 commemorations.

Chamber Music Concert: America250!
March 24, 2026
Join the Allentown Symphony Orchestra for a vibrant chamber concert marking the 250th anniversary of our nation, spotlighting exclusively commissioned works by the Composer Collaborative. Each piece will weave historical texts or current events into its fabric and feature a captivating male soloist, offering a rich reflection on America’s journey through sound and song.

George Washington and Frederick the Great: Parallel Lives
March 24, Historic Trappe
Join us for a lecture and book signing by German historian Jürgen Overhoff on the new English translation of his study George Washington and Frederick the Great: Parallel Lives. Dr. Overhoff will share with us new insights about George Washington and Frederick the Great (aka the King of Prussia), two of the most important and influential statesmen of the 18th century. His talk will explore each man’s significance not only in the context of America and Germany but in the larger context of Atlantic history. Learn how the first American president and the eminent Prussian king each embodied the competition between liberal democracy and authoritarianism. This study of their political rivalry is a timely comparison as America commemorates its 250th anniversary in 2026.

Past and Present of the Lenape People of Pennsylvania with Barbara Michalski
March 25, Whitehall Historical Preservation Society
Join us for a speaker presentation with Barbara Michalski. Hear about the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania and their unique story called “The Prophecy of the Fourth Crow.” Each of the 4 “Crows” represents the survival aspect of the Lenape as inhabitants occupied their land. Learn how they have continued to maintain their language and culture.

For the Ages: A Time Capsule Birthday Bash
March 26, Sigal Museum, Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society
The Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society is turning 120 years old, and we invite you to celebrate with us at For the Ages: A Time Capsule Birthday Bash—an evening honoring our past, present, and future. As part of this milestone celebration, we are creating a time capsule to be opened 120 years from now, in the year 2146. We invite guests to contribute a meaningful item that captures life today.

Early American Craft Fair
March 28, Historic Trappe
Join us for an exclusive Early American Craft Fair showcasing the finest traditional artisans. Talk to the artists about their work and historical inspirations while you shop for handcrafted items and treasures including pottery, woodcarvings, textiles, furniture, painted boxes, and fraktur. All the proceeds will benefit Historic Trappe, a non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and share historic places, landscapes, and heritage of southeastern Pennsylvania.

Lecture & Book Signing: Threshold to Valley Forge
March 28, Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum
Learn about George Washington and the Continental Army’s time at Gulph Mills in December 1777 with author Sheilah Vance. Discover how, during those six days, Washington and America’s foreign allies made decisions that would turn these dismal circumstances around for the fledgling nation, changing the entire course of the Revolutionary War.

Northampton Community College 2026 Humanities Lecture – Dr. Annette Gordon-Reed of Harvard University
April 14, Lehigh Valley 250
Northampton Community College invites you to join them on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. to hear acclaimed historian, author, and Carl M. Loeb University Professor at Harvard University, Dr. Annette Gordon-Reed. Her groundbreaking work continues to shape the national conversation on history, race, and the American experience. The college is honored to welcome Dr. Gordon-Reed to reflect on how understanding our shared past can inspire a more just future.

Max Kade Distinguished Lecture in German Studies – Incomprehensible Friends and Rebellious Enemies: German Soldiers in the American Revolutionary War, with Dr. Friederike Baer
April 15, Max Kade Center for German Studies, Languages and Literary Studies, History, Lafayette College
Between 1776 and 1783, Great Britain hired more than thirty thousand German soldiers to fight in its war against the American rebels. Dr. Baer explores the key experiences of these individuals as they waged war on a distant continent against a people that had done them no harm. Special attention will be given to interactions between German soldiers and German-Americans.

Berks History Day
April 18, Berks Heritage Council & Select Passport to History Partner Sites
Calling all Berks County history lovers and adventure seekers! Join the Berks Heritage Council and nearly 20 of its members and historical sites for a day of interactive learning, delicious food, and fun for all ages. This event will feature displays of unique historic artifacts, hands-on activities appropriate for all ages, merchandise available for purchase, a scavenger hunt, well-loved local food vendors, access to explore the grounds of the Berks History Center, and much more!

Colonial Day Festival
April 18, George Taylor House
Colonial Day Festival returns to the George Taylor House in Catasauqua on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This free outdoor festival honors George Taylor, Signer of the Declaration of Independence, with Revolutionary War living history, colonial crafts, and hands-on activities for all ages. Historic house tours will be offered at a special discounted rate of $5 per person. Participating George Taylor Trail Organizations: Historic Easton Cemetery, Parsons-Taylor House/D.A.R., Northampton County Archives, Easton Area Public Library’s Marx Room, and the Durham Historical Society. This event is presented as part of regional America 250 commemorative programming. Donations appreciated.

Community Heritage Day
April 18, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites
Explore the Colonial Industrial Quarter, an integral part of Moravian Church Settlements–Bethlehem, on World Heritage Day! On April 18, celebrate the International Day for Monuments and Sites on the site of the nation’s first industrial center. Experience 18th- and 19th-century life through demonstrations by blacksmiths, tinsmiths, open-hearth cooks and other artisans hard at work showcasing 18th- and 19th- century crafts and trades. Plus, discover colonial-era medical practices and Moravian traditions and visit the 1762 Waterworks – the nation’s first pumped municipal water system – to see the 18-foot waterwheel in motion. Other highlights include: half-priced walking tours, hands-on children’s activities, the “Past-port” scavenger hunt, local food vendors, old-fashioned bake sale, antique treasure show, and a Baked Into Bethlehem challenge.

Book Launch Celebration – When the Declaration of Independence was News
April 18, Historic Trappe
Join us for a reception celebrating the launch of When the Declaration of Independence Was News by Dr. Emily Sneff. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, followed by a book signing. Publishing for the 250th anniversary of the United States, When the Declaration of Independence Was News focuses on the nation’s founding document at the moment of its creation in 1776, before anyone knew what the legacy of the Declaration would be or if the United States would win the war against Great Britain. It explores how the Declaration was communicated to people in the new nation and around the Atlantic world and reveals the stories of the many people involved in the process of declaring independence, from printers to soldiers to diplomats to translators.

Wheat and Sheep Day 2026
April 18, Washington Crossing Historic Park
Welcome spring with a day of hands-on history and family fun at the Thompson-Neely Farmstead. This special event invites visitors to explore how wheat and wool were essential parts of daily life in early America through interactive demonstrations, historic tours, and engaging activities for all ages. Enjoy traditional hand shearing demonstrations, tour the historic grist mill, and learn how raw materials like fleece and grain were transformed into everyday necessities during the colonial period. Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the Thompson-Neely House, recently renovated with a new exhibit unveiled in 2025, for the 250th anniversary, making this a perfect time to come back for a visit.

The Writing of the Declaration and What it Meant in 1776 – Lecture & Book Signing with Dr. Emily Sneff
April 29, Washington Crossing Historic Park
Dr. Sneff explores how the Declaration was printed, translated, and circulated across the emerging nation and throughout the Atlantic world, highlighting the many individuals involved in declaring independence, from printers and soldiers to diplomats and translators. The lecture will also consider the Declaration’s enduring relevance in civic life today.

Past and Present of Farming with Garry Hunsicker
April 29, Whitehall Historical Preservation Society
To celebrate this Semiquincentennial year, WHPS will be presenting a series of speaker presentations based on a sequence of “From Past to Present” topics focusing on subjects that have influenced change and growth in America, highlighting their contributions to the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Lower Macungie Township Community Day
May 1, Lower Macungie Township, Lower Macungie Community Center, 4-8:30 p.m.  
To honor our nation’s 250th anniversary, this year’s Community Day will offer living history demonstrations, historical displays and activities, plus a screening of Lower Macungie Township Historical Society’s award-winning local film, The Fries Rebellion. Families will enjoy delicious food, miniature golf, an obstacle course, crafts and games, a hoedown with the Toad Creek Ramblers, and fireworks at the nearby Brookside Country Club.

A Revolutionary Children’s Day
May 3, Daniel Boone Homestead
Learn about Daniel Boone’s childhood in Oley and celebrate America’s birthday with Revolutionary War activities, a visit from General Washington, colonial demonstrations, and hands-on activities.

The Lenape: Culture and Traditions
May 9, Longswamp Township Historical Society
We will host a lecture entitled, “The Lenape: Culture and Traditions,” that will be held in the Township Park, in Pavilion 2, adjacent to our Museum complex. The lecture, presented by Lenape speaker, Jennie Dancing Butterfly, will highlight traditional Lenape stories and a display of her Lenape regalia. People are welcome to bring along a lawn chair; otherwise, there will be plenty of large benches available, under the pavilion.

The Moravians: Their Unique Lifestyle, Challenges, and Contributions during the Revolutionary War
with Walter Cole
May 14, Slate Belt Heritage Center
Learn how the Moravians’ pacifist beliefs were challenged and how the Revolutionary War changed their community.

Revolutionary Family: The Biddles & Independence
May 14, Washington Crossing Historic Park in partnership with Andalusia Historic House, Gardens, & Arboretum
Timed to coincide with the nation’s semiquincentennial, Andalusia’s exhibition, Revolutionary Family: The Biddles & American Independence presents historic objects, artwork, and manuscripts to explore the influential roles that Biddle family members played during the Revolution, as well as wartime activities near the pre-Andalusia site. Andalusia has created four short-format documentary videos that feature a variety of guest experts and Andalusia’s Executive Director John Vick and Research Assistant Brie Stoltzfus to illuminate the experiences of nine Revolutionary-era Biddle family members. A screening of these videos and reception will take place at Washington Crossing Historic Park on May 14.

Hellertown-Lower Saucon Heritage Day
May 16, Hellertown Historical Society, Lower Saucon Township Historical Society, Saucon Valley Conservancy/Heller Homestead
Heritage Day is an annual celebration of the history and culture of the Borough of Hellertown and surrounding Lower Saucon Township. This year’s event will be held at two locations: the 1761 Heller-Wagner Grist Mill Complex off West Walnut Street in south Hellertown, and the Michael Heller Homestead along Saucon Creek, adjacent to the Water Street Bridge connecting Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township. Heritage Day will feature a much larger celebration in 2026 to honor the 250th anniversary – the semiquincentennial anniversary – of the founding of the United States. At the Grist Mill: Colonial living history, 18th and 19th-century crafts, antique and classic cars, tours, and history presentations. Lower Saucon Township Historical Society will host township history exhibits at the Grist Mill, the annual Maypole dance, horse-drawn carriage rides, old-fashioned children’s games and activities, a petting zoo with farm animals, and afternoon concerts by Big Valley Bluegrass and the Allentown Band, America’s oldest civic band, founded in 1828. Lost Tavern will explain colonial brewing practices and offer refreshments. The Heller Homestead will honor Saucon Valley’s Revolutionary War roots and 70 of its veterans with living history reenactors, farm tours, a historic wagon on site, where donations for local food banks will be collected, in recognition of the wagons of food the Hellers supplied to soldiers at Valley Forge. There will also be children’s activities including scavenger hunts and magic shows. Shuttle service from off-site parking areas in Hellertown will provide transportation to and from both event sites.

Cheers to 250: Brewing in America Exhibit Opening Celebration
May 16, National Museum of Industrial History
Cheers to 250: Brewing in America invites visitors to raise a glass to the rich and revolutionary history of beer in the United States. This museum-wide exhibition traces brewing’s journey from colonial hearths and bustling taverns to the dynamic modern industry of today. Through immersive displays, artifacts, and interactive experiences, the exhibition reveals how beer has been shaped by and helped shape American society for 250 years. Join our exhibit opening celebration for exhibition tours, demonstrations, beer, food, and music.

TileFest 26: Tiles of the Nation Maker
May 16 & 17, TileWorks of Bucks County
For more than a century, the tiles made at The Moravian Pottery and Tile Works have told stories about places, people, and craft traditions passed down through generations. On May 16-17, TileFest 26 brings those stories to life with a two-day event featuring the premier marketplace of tilemakers from across the country, hands-on experiences, and a look at how clay connects past and present. This year’s theme, “Tiles of the Nation Maker,” celebrates the ordinary men and women who have shaped this nation throughout its 250 year history, and highlights the way tiles capture social, political, and cultural life across humanity, throughout human history and today.

1776 Tannenberg Organ Concert with Organist Philip Cooper
May 17, Moravian Historical Society
Experience the sounds of 1776 during this special concert on the Moravian Historical Society’s 1776 Tannenberg Organ. Celebrating its 250th birthday along with the country, the organ will be brought to life by organist and organ historian Philip Cooper. Cooper has studied and documented the old Pennsylvania-German organs and has performed on many important historic organs. Andy McLeod, Curator of Collections and Exhibitions, will introduce the program with a brief history of David Tannenberg’s experiences during the Revolutionary War. David Tannenberg is widely recognized as the most important organ builder in eighteenth-century America. The Moravian Historical Society’s 1776 organ is one of only nine of his remaining organs. It was played for George Washington in 1782 when the organ was in the Single Brethren’s House in Bethlehem.

Prisoners of Congress: Philadelphia’s Quakers in Exile, lecture by Ned Donoghue
May 19, Historic Trappe
In 1777, Congress labeled Quakers who would not take up arms in support of the War of Independence as “the most Dangerous Enemies America knows” and ordered Pennsylvania and Delaware to apprehend them. In response, Keystone State officials sent twenty men—seventeen of whom were Quakers—into exile, banishing them to Virginia, where they were held for a year. Donoghue’s book, Prisoners of Congress reconstructs this moment in American history through the experiences of four families: the Drinkers, the Fishers, the Pembertons, and the Gilpins.

“History Expo” Semiquincentennial 250th Anniversary
May 23, 2026, Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, Lehigh County Historical Society
Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum will host a “History Expo” featuring local historical societies, Revolutionary War reenactors and music, tours of Trout Hall, and a concert by the Allentown Band to wrap up the celebration. There will be family-fun and educational events scheduled throughout the day.

From Past to Present: Iron and Steel with Mike Piersa
May 27, Whitehall Historical Preservation Society
To celebrate this Semiquincentennial year, WHPS will be presenting a series of speaker presentations based on a sequence of “From Past to Present” topics focusing on subjects that have influenced change and growth in America, highlighting their contributions to the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

Arboretum Day (Opening Celebration)
May 31, Pearl S. Buck House
Come join the community celebration of the newly accredited Green Hills Farm Arboretum at the Pearl S. Buck House. The opening ceremony begins at 1:00 p.m. followed by an afternoon of self-guided walks and activities, including tree aging, a flower stained glass craft, and talks about “Women, Medicine & Medicinal Plants in Colonial Philadelphia and the Delaware” and Japanese garden history.

Brown Bag Lecture: When the Declaration of Independence was News
June 10, Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center (Hybrid Program: In Person & Virtual)
In this year of celebration, learn the fascinating history of the Declaration of Independence from Dr. Emily Sneff, author of the recently published When the Declaration of Independence Was News.

Raise a Glass: Brewing, Beer, and the Road to Revolution
June 13, Pearl S. Buck House
Discover how beer helped shape colonial America and the path to independence with niochemist and history and beer enthusiast Dr. Jessica Zenskie and a period beer tasting from Aristaeus Craft Brewery. Join us to raise a glass and toast the brews—and the bold ideas—that helped fuel the American Revolution. There will also be food vendors, a beer garden, and local historical artifacts on display.

Archaeology Presentation at Durham Mill
June 14, Durham Historical Society
Did you know there is a mystery at Durham Gristmill? A 300-year-old mystery that could only be solved through archaeology. Join archaeologist and educator Matthew Bielecki from Stony Hill Archaeological Research, LLC and Bucks County Community College’s Archaeological Technician Training Program as he discusses the recent archaeological investigation at the mill, the challenges of locating the original 1727 Iron Furnace, and his team’s discoveries. This investigation reaffirms why this site is so important to the early industrial story of America. He will also bring a small collection of period artifacts for the public to view.

Liberty & Lanterns: An Evening of Food, Stories, and Surprises
June 18, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites and Hotel Bethlehem
Enjoy an evening of history, dining, and good company. This event brings the spirit of the founding era to the table – pairing a three-course dinner with the history of Bethlehem during the American Revolution.The evening begins with a cocktail hour, followed by a three-course dinner. Entree choices include chicken, beef, and fish, with a cash bar available throughout the evening.

Moravians & the Revolutionary War: Curator-led Guided Museum Tour
June 20, Moravian Historical Society
Learn how the Revolutionary War affected residents of the Moravian towns of Nazareth, Bethlehem, and Emmaus.

From Past to Present: Railroads within Whitehall Township with Keith Nonnemacher
June 24, Whitehall Historical Preservation Society
To celebrate this Semiquincentennial year, WHPS will be presenting a series of speaker presentations based on a sequence of “From Past to Present” topics focusing on subjects that have influenced change and growth in America, highlighting their contributions to the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

A Colonial 250th Anniversary Celebration
June 27, Daniel Boone Homestead
Enjoy a variety of colonial and early American demonstrations, trades, and activities, plus live music. Reenacting groups will have a small encampment set up and offer military demonstrations and interpretation. Join us for a reading of the Declaration of Independence, meet and greets, and ongoing presentations throughout the day. The latter part of the event will transition to our ‘Evening on Green’ with live bands on the lawn.

General Washington’s Command Staff in Montgomery County – 1777
June 30, Hivel Und Dahl Preservation Society
After a brief introduction on the 1777 Philadelphia campaign, the program will focus on Washington’s aide-de-camp staff and his military secretary, Robert Hanson Harrison. In addition to his military staff, General Washington had numerous enslaved and civilian staff that the will be discussed as well. Learn about Washington’s “military family” and who accompanied him throughout eight long years of war. Scott Houting, Executive Director of the Peter Wentz Farmstead and retired Valley Forge National Park Ranger, will present the program.

America 250: Revolutionary War Series – Lectures, Living History, and Patriotic Programs
July 1-5, Friends of Hopewell Furnace
The Friends of Hopewell Furnace NHS, the Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County, and The Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology Ch.21 present AMERICA 250, a free series of lectures, living history, and patriotic programs at the White Horse Inn, Old Morlattan Village, and Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. Learn about the people, places, and events that shaped our region during the American Revolution. The White Horse Inn lectures and celebration will take place at 31 Old Philadelphia Pike, Douglassville, PA.
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July 1, 2026 10:30 A. M. Douglas A. Miller- Colonial Beverages
2:00 P. M. Dan Graham- The First Colonial Woman Industrialist: Anna Savage Nutt

3:30 P.M. Brian Engelhardt: Notorious Rev. War Conway Cabal Connections to Reading

July 2, 2026 2:00 P. M. David Blackburn: Colonial Chester County
3:30 P. M. Gene Delaplane: Death in Valley Forge

July 3, 2026 2:00 P. M. Michelle Lynch: Rev. War Refugees in Reading
3:30 P. M. Daughters of the American Revolution Berks County Chapter: Colonial Women

July 4, 2026 2:00 P.M. Hopewell Furnace NHS: Public Reading of the Declaration of Independence, 2 Mark Bird Lane, Elverson, PA 19520

July 5, 2026 2:00 P.M. White Horse Inn: Celebration of the Declaration of Independence: Declaration Reading, Poetry, and Patriotic Songs

Independence Weekend
July 3-5, Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
Working with the Rotary Club of Upper Perkiomen and Upper Perkiomen Chamber of Commerce, the Heritage Center joins many community groups to host a stupendous three-day commemoration of food, fireworks, and fairs.

Nazareth Celebrates America 250 Festival
July 4, Moravian Historical Society and Town of Nazareth
Join Moravian Historical Society after Nazareth’s annual July 4th Kazoo Parade for a community festival! The Nazareth Celebrates America 250 Festival will feature FREE family-friendly activities, including: a Patriotic Program honoring town heroes, tethered balloon rides by Unity Bank, the Nazareth Farmers Market, Colonial Demonstrators, kids’ activities, and food trucks.

Independence Day Celebration at Historic Trappe
July 4 & 5, Historic Trappe
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in Historic Trappe with a special Independence Day weekend, fun and free for the whole family! On Saturday, July 4, gather at the Speaker’s House for a special edition of Kids Dig History. There will be a lively fife and drum procession up the street from the Speaker’s House to the Muhlenberg House. Children participating in the Kids Dig History program will be given thirteen-star flags to wave in the procession. There will be a stirring reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Muhlenberg House. Both houses will be open for tours afterwards, together with the Dewees Tavern. Kids’ activities will continue at the Speaker’s House all afternoon. There will be hot dogs and beverages to purchase behind the Muhlenberg House all day!

*Augustus Lutheran Church is holding morning prayer at Historic Old Trappe Church at 8:30 am. Feel free to join the service before coming to Historic Trappe.

On Sunday, July 5, there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence in German from the balcony of the Muhlenberg House. Both houses will be open for tours afterwards, together with the Dewees Tavern. Kids’ activities will also be offered at the Visitor Center behind the Muhlenberg House. Bring the whole family and be part of this unforgettable patriotic experience to celebrate America’s 250th birthday!

Celebrate American Independence at the Historic White Horse Inn – Declaration Reading, Poetry, and Patriotic Songs
July 5, Friends of Hopewell Furnace
On the day John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress, began dispatching the newly printed Dunlap Broadsides to state legislatures, conventions, and commanding officers, the Friends of Hopewell Furnace cordially invites you to celebrate our nation’s 250 birthday. The Historic Preservation Trust of Berks County in cooperation with Amity Township, the Friends of Hopewell Furnace, and the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology John Shrader Chapter 21 will host an inspirational reading of the Declaration of Independence accompanied with music and traditional patriotic songs. The program will be staged on the east porch of the 18th-century White Horse Inn and features Delaware Valley Opera Company Laurice Kennel who will lead the audience in traditional patriotic songs. She will be accompanied by pianist Rebecca Elliot. From the Woodmere Art Museum, teaching artist and storyteller Kristine Waters will read from the Declaration.

Raise a Glass to Freedom: 250 Years Later
July 8, Sigal Museum
Join us at 11:45 a.m. at the Sigal Museum for a powerful and memorable mid-day program marking the most defining moment in American history. At 12:00 p.m. on July 8, museum guests will experience the premiere screening of a new video presentation featuring a reading of the Declaration of Independence. This event is in honor of the first public reading, which took place in Easton, Trenton, and Philadelphia at 12:00 p.m. on July 8, 1776. This event will bring to life the words that shaped our nation, delivered with immediacy and reflection in honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation. Immediately following the screening, guests are invited to participate in a celebratory champagne toast—raising a glass to freedom in recognition of liberty, civic legacy, and the enduring meaning of our democracy. The experience concludes with an exclusive, private curator-led tour of the Read This: The History of Media in Northampton County exhibition, offering behind-the-scenes insight into the objects, stories, and historical narratives that continue to shape our understanding of freedom and democracy.

Easton Declaration Dinner, hosted at Thyme Rooftop Grille
July 8, Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society & Greater Easton Development Partnership
The Easton Declaration Dinner is a signature, can’t-miss event commemorating the 250th anniversary of Easton’s July 8, 1776 public reading of the Declaration of Independence—one of the earliest in the nation. Hosted by the Greater Easton Development Partnership and the Northampton County Historical & Genealogical Society, this festive evening brings together community leaders, neighbors, and history lovers to honor Easton’s unique place in America’s founding story. Join us at Thyme Rooftop Grille for an unforgettable night. The celebration kicks off with a lively reception featuring local wines and a signature cocktail, followed by a delicious seated dinner. The highlight of the evening? A stirring ceremonial reading of the Declaration of Independence—bringing 1776 to life right where history happened. The program also features remarks from civic leaders and a special “Toast to 250 Years,” celebrating Easton’s enduring legacy and bright future.

Panel with Cartoonist Jonathan Hill – Unheard: The American Revolution Graphic Novel (in-person & virtual program)
July 9, Sigal Museum
Meet Jonathan Hill, the award- winning cartoonist who worked with Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society to create the new graphic novel, Unheard: The American Revolution. Enjoy an in-person and virtual discussion about bringing the American Revolution in Northampton County to life through visual storytelling.

Bachmann Block Party Celebration
July 10, 1753 Bachmann Publick House, 2nd Street, Downtown Easton
Enjoy live music, local food and drinks, and summer celebration in the heart of downtown. 2nd Street closes to traffic and transforms into a lively outdoor gathering space featuring bands, a beer garden atmosphere, and the historic 1753 Bachmann Publick House as a backdrop for community celebration. Catch the excitement of the FIFA watch party on the big screen and cheer alongside fellow fans in a festive, high-energy atmosphere.

Easton Heritage Day
July 11, Historic Downtown Easton
Celebrate 250 years of America at Easton’s annual Heritage Day event! A free, full-day festival, Heritage Day showcases local and regional history and the heritage of many groups with reenactment events, including the Bachmann Players’ beloved noon reenactment reading of the Declaration of Independence in Centre Square, honoring Easton’s historic role in one of its earliest public readings in 1776; recreational activities; living history and craft demonstrations; tours of Sigal Museum, the 1753 Bachmann Publick House, and other historical properties; musical performances, and delicious food and drink offerings that bring the streets to life. Join in and celebrate the fullness of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for America’s 250th celebration.

Freedom Fest
July 11, Boyertown Area Historical Society
Come out for the town celebration of America’s 250th at Boyertown Park.

Move-In Day
July 11, Historic Trappe
Experience a pivotal moment in local history at the Muhlenberg House, commemorating the 250th anniversary of Henry and Mary Muhlenberg’s return to Trappe in July 1776. Fleeing the uncertainty of war in Philadelphia after the Declaration of Independence, the Muhlenbergs sought refuge in what they hoped would be a peaceful new home—though history would soon prove otherwise. Throughout the day, visitors can explore the house on tours led by interpreters in period clothing stationed in each room and explore the colonial herb garden. Living history demonstrations will showcase the skills and daily tasks of the 1700s. Kids can join in colonial-era games and hands-on activities, making this a fun and engaging experience for the whole family. A full-size Conestoga wagon will also be on display, illustrating how families like the Muhlenbergs transported their belongings across the countryside. The Speaker’s House and kitchen garden will also be open for tours and are included with paid admission for the Move-In Day event. Cost: $10 Members | $12 Non-Members | Kids are free.

Window to Revolution Curator’s Tour
July 17, Historic Trappe
Explore the current exhibition, Window to Revolution: Pennsylvania Germans and the War for Independence with curator Christopher Malone. Focusing on the Revolution’s impact on the Greater Philadelphia region, this landmark exhibition features artifacts such as flintlock pistols, Continental currency, Henry Muhlenberg’s journals, a German translation of the Declaration of Independence, fraktur made by former Hessian soldiers, and much more. Cost: $20 per person.

Revolutionary Youth
July 16, Historic Sugartown
Celebrate America’s 250th with a collection of stories that capture the courage, conviction, and ideals fueling America’s fight for independence from Ken Burns’ The American Revolution documentary. This special screening of scenes from the film will take place in the Carriage Museum.

Founders Feast
July 19, Historic Trappe
Party like it’s 1776 with a community dinner held at the Speaker’s House! Enjoy a variety of delicious foods provided by local restaurants, and craft beer from Troubles End Brewing while dining al fresco on the grounds of a beautiful historic site. The evening begins with drinks and appetizers at 5 pm. Stroll the paths of an authentic Pennsylvania German garden filled with heirloom vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Explore the newly opened Speaker’s House, which just wrapped up a 25-year restoration project. At 6:00 p.m., join your friends and neighbors at long communal tables set up on the lawn for a buffet dinner. Live music will round out a memorable summer evening. Tickets: $70 Members | $75 Non-Members.

Lutherans and the Revolutionary War Tours
July 24, Historic Trappe
Celebrate 250 years of history with a special guided tour of Historic Trappe, exploring how Lutheran families such as the Muhlenbergs were integrally involved in the Revolutionary War. Learn how the war directly impacted Lutherans in southeastern Pennsylvania and enjoy rarely-seen artifacts from historic congregations including Augustus Lutheran, New Hanover, St. Michael’s Germantown, and St. Michael’s and Zion in Philadelphia. Co-hosted by Historic Trappe and the Lutheran Archives Center at Philadelphia, this anniversary program highlights the faith, community, and cultural traditions that shaped life during the Revolutionary era. Cost: $25 per person. Augustus Lutheran Church will also be open for tours from 12:00-2:00 p.m.—included with your purchase of a ticket.

Gunmakers Fair at Kempton
July 24-26
Seminars, demonstrations, living history re-enactors, artisans, horners, and vendors come together to celebrate 18th and 19th-century muzzleloading culture, with a rifle raffle sponsored by Kutztown Area Historical Society.

Revolutionary Kids Day Camp
July 28-30 (Grades 3-4) & August 4-6 (Grades 5-6), Historic Trappe
Revolutionary Kids is a new summer day camp for rising 3rd through 6th graders, offered over two weeks this summer on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The program introduces children to life in the 1700s through active, inquiry-based learning at Historic Trappe’s sites, including the Speaker’s House, home of Frederick Muhlenberg, first Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. Camp sessions include hearth cooking, gardening, archaeology, colonial games, paper marbling, and a variety of other colonial crafts. Cost: $150 Member (3 days), $175 Non-member (3 days). REGISTRATION CLOSES JULY 17.

Emmaus America250 Celebration
July 24, 25, & 26 | Emmaus Heritage Festival: July 25
Emmaus is going big this July to celebrate the 250th Anniversary! Enjoy a full weekend of events showcasing Emmaus history through the years to what it is today. Kick off the party in the Triangle on July 24, come out for the town-wide celebration on July 25, and wrap up the weekend with events and activities in the Community Park on July 26. Be sure to visit our Emmaus Passport to History partner sites: Emmaus Historical Society, 1803 House, Knauss Homestead, and Shelter House on July 25 for the Emmaus Heritage Festival. Sites will be open for tours, living history demonstrations, family activities, and more.

250 Years of America at the Knauss Homestead
July 25, Knauss Homestead in partnership with the Museum of Indian Culture and members of the Knauss Homestead Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
Few places offer a more authentic connection to that history than the Knauss Homestead—a rare and remarkably preserved 18th-century home that quite literally stood at the dawn of America. On July 25th from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Knauss Homestead will open its doors as part of the broader America250 and Emmaus250 celebrations, offering a day of immersive history, thoughtful discussion, and meaningful connection to the past. This is not just a visit. It’s an opportunity to step into a world that still echoes with the spirit of 1777. Guests are invited to explore the homestead at their own pace—wandering through rooms that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Visit the historic barn for a series of history talks that explore perspectives often overlooked in traditional Revolutionary War narratives: “Indigenous Perspectives on the Early Days of America” with the Museum of Indian Culture and “The Revolutionary Women Who Held it All Together” with members of the Knauss Homestead Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The Civil War Encampment and Open House at Helfrich Springs Grist Mill
July 25, Whitehall Historical Preservation Society
Experience the living history of the 153rd Regiment PA Vol. Infantry.

Historic Presentation on the “Durham Meeting Minutes from 1728”
July 26, Durham Historical Society
Come and hear about the recently discovered “Durham Meeting Minutes from 1728,” presented by historian, professional land surveyor and licensed civil engineer, David Bretz PE, PLS. The event will be held at the Durham Mill.

Establishment Day & Iron Pour
August 1, Hopewell Furnace
Hopewell Furnace invites you to a celebration of the anniversary of the park’s establishment as a National Historic Site. Come out and enjoy activities commemorating 250 years of American industry with various park partners. The event will feature tours, living history, hands-on activities from 1:00-6:00 p.m., and an iron pour (the first in 143 years!) from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Programs will highlight the park’s significance both as a furnace and as a site for recreation and learning including aluminum molding and casting demonstrations, historic bake oven cooking, Revolutionary War era historic weapons demonstrations, fiber arts, blacksmithing, and more. At 1:00 p.m., park volunteer colliers will begin the summer charcoal burn which demonstrates the historic process for converting wood to charcoal.

Kutztown Day & America’s 250th Celebration
August 2, Kutztown Area Historical Society
Kutztown’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence will be held during Kutztown Day, August 2. For the celebration, the society is working a special project with Kutztown Area Middle School teacher John Noll and three of his students. With the assistance of the society, the students are researching the Easton Road and its significance to the American Revolution and the geographic area it served. The Easton Road was the forerunner of today’s Route 222. They are creating 19 panels about the Easton Road, which will be installed in the story walk displays at the Kutztown Park.

America’s 250th Anniversary – Special Tours
August 8, Horner’s Cemetery
Horner’s Cemetery Historical Society’s Special Tours in honor of the country’s 250 Anniversary will be held on Saturday, August 8, at 10:00 a.m. at 4965 Nor-Bath Boulevard, Northampton. Don’t miss the first settlement, first congregation, and first cemetery in Northampton County. Meet the first woman in the county killed in the French and Indian War. Meet General Brown, friend of George Washington. Hear the story of the gift Washington gave General Brown. Meet a friend of Ben Franklin who stayed at his tavern. Visit the friend of Presidennt Buchanan. Meet the ancestor of President Roosevelt. All are invited. For more information, call 610-984-4532.

Brown Bag Lecture: Live Like the Founding Father: A Nostalgic Look at Early American Decoration in the 20th-Century Home 
August 12 (Hybrid Program), Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
How many of us grew up in homes with furniture and home accessories sold as “Colonial” or “Early American?” Join us for a trip down memory lane with Heritage Center curator Candace Perry as she explores the very popular 20th century Early American home decoration trends with a look at the good, the questionable, and the kitsch from the U.S. Centennial onward. Free admission.

Summer of 1776: Overturning the Pennsylvania Government on the Road to Independence
August 19, Weisenberg-Lowhill Township Historical Society
Member David Hunsicker,Jr. is helping us celebrate America 250! On August 19, Morganland Union Church will be the site of his presentation, Summer of 1776: Overturning the Pennsylvania Government on the Road to Independence. You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy learning about our country’s road to freedom. Free admission.

Longrifle Symposium
August 22, 2026, Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
Day of lectures by noted scholars and collectors

Talks in the Tavern: Coffee with a Colonial (with Samuel Leamer)
August 27, Hellertown Historical Society
Berks County resident and living historian, Samuel Leamer, brings a blended passion of history and coffee to our rustic Tavern venue. Through a variety of material culture he has collected over time, Mr. Leamer will provide a deep, rich understanding of the colonial coffee culture in North America and how it fueled a nation’s beginnings. And, of course, coffee and pastries will be served. Free admission.

The Commanding Presence of George Washington – Lecture by Michael Jesberger
September 3, Longswamp Township Historical Society
Throughout our country’s military history, we have had talented and inspirational leadership on the battlefield. But an army’s ability to fight and win a battle does not rest on weapons and training alone: It also rests on the character, skill and leadership of a commanding general with great presence. George Washington was such a commander. And he would go on to become the Father of his country. Historian Michael Jesberger will offer a view into history that won’t be found in many history books. His knowledge of historical details is sure to captivate as he takes you back in time and shares his knowledge about Washington’s leadership, charisma, and impact during the American Revolution—and how his stature, character held the Continental Army together during 1776. Q&A to follow.

America’s 250th Parade and Celebration
September 5, Upper Milford Township & Upper Milford Historical Society
In celebration of the semi-quincentennial of the Declaration of Independence, Upper Milford Township and the Upper Milford Township Historical Society (UMHS) will present a parade on September 5. The parade route will take place in the township and afterwards, the celebration continues at Lenape Park. Entertainment will include music by Old Tyme Music and Kelly Planer and the Perks, food trucks, games for children, and a cake walk. The highlight of the event will be a reenactment of the reading of the Declaration of Independence, as it was said to have been done 250 years ago.

The Scots Irish in the Lehigh Valley & the Fight for Independence
Wednesday, September 9, Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association
The first settlers in the region were the Scots Irish—the Craig Irish Settlement. They came from Ulster, Ireland in the 1720s into Philadelphia and made their way to the Lehigh Valley in 1728. Deb Mellish will share their story.

Brown Bag Lecture: Revolutionary Women (Hybrid Program)
September 9, Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
While you may picture white men when you think of General George Washington and the Continental Army, even women were involved in the Revolutionary War – some as spies, some by continuing their husband’s professions at home while they were away and some by actually fighting. Hear Dr. Susanne Johnston recount stories of some remarkable women who came to the aid of the Patriots in the Revolutionary War. The program will be held in-person or via Zoom. Register by emailing info@schwenkfelder.org or calling 215-679-3103.

Lafayette College Bicentennial Symposium – Democracy: Past, Present, and Future
September 10 & 11, Lafayette College (A Lehigh Valley 250 Event)
As America marks its 250th anniversary and Lafayette College celebrates its own bicentennial, Lafayette is inviting the community to examine one of the ideas at the heart of the American experiment: democracy. On September 10 and 11, Lafayette will host its Bicentennial Symposium, “Democracy: Past, Present, and Future.” The two-day event will bring together leading scholars and more than 20 Lafayette faculty members representing a wide range of disciplines for conversations about democracy—where it has been, the challenges it faces today and where it may be headed. Featured keynote speakers include political theorist Hélène Landemore and constitutional law scholar Akhil Reed Amar. The symposium reflects an important part of the America 250 commemoration: not only remembering the ideas that helped shape the United States, but creating opportunities to examine those ideas, discuss their meaning today and consider their future. Events are free and open to the public, with advance registration requested.

“Conquer or Die” – Washington in 1776 (with interpreter Daniel Cross and author Jeffrey Finegan)
September 12, Jacobsburg Historical Society
Join author Jeffrey Finegan as he interviews General George Washington during the events of 1776. With the ink on the Declaration of Independence still drying in Philadelphia, General Washington said that the time had come to “conquer or die,” as he and the Continental Army prepared to go to war with Great Britain, in the city of New York. Daniel Cross, a longtime historic interpreter, actor, and performer focuses on the human story of George Washington—the good, the bad, and the complicated—and presents an interpretation of the General that connects well with modern audiences. There will be two programs: 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Admission: $35.

Fall Lecture Series: The American Revolution in Pennsylvania (with Aaron Sullivan)
September 13, Daniel Boone Homestead
Is it possible to sit out a violent revolution? What happens when neutrality isn’t an option? Join us on September 13 as historian Aaron Sullivan explores these questions in the context of the American Revolution in Pennsylvania, looking closely at the British military occupation of Philadelphia and the often tragic plight of the many Americans who struggled to survive the war without picking one side or the other.

Historical Liberty Bell Trail – Quakertown America’s 250th Celebration
September 13, Quakertown Historical Society
Take a walk through history to celebrate America’s 250th! The day starts with a brief talk on the founding of Quakertown followed by a ceremony at the Richard Moore gravesite at Quaker Meeting House. At noon, head to Main Street and follow the horse-drawn wagon carrying the bell to the historical museum. The Brandywine Colonials Fife and Drum Corps will lead the way. The Quakertown Band will play from 1:00-2:00 p.m., followed by a reenactment of the Fries Rebellion at 2:00 p.m. From 1:00-3:00 p.m., wander Main Street and visit Richland Library, Liberty Hall, the Burgess Foulke House, and a “Gather Place” presentation of the Underground Railroad at McCoole’s Arts and Events Place.

Table Saw Talk – Durham Boat Project
September 13, Washington Crossing Historic Park
After making its Washington Crossing debut during our Independence Day Celebration, the full-scale Durham boat replica has remained in the Boat Barn, where the Independence Seaport Museum (ISM) team continues its work. Since July 4, Dave Dormand, Director of the Seaport Boat Shop, has installed wooden plugs to conceal the fasteners, begun smoothing the hull, steam-bent structural supports for the deck, and prepared the breasthooks and aft deck beams for installation.Next, the team will complete the fore and aft decks, build the bulkheads beneath them, install the flooring, and begin finish work, including painting and oiling the hull and decks. Visitors will have a new opportunity to learn about the project during the Sunday, September 13, Table Saw Talk. Led by ISM shipwrights, these informal conversations will explore traditional wooden boatbuilding methods, materials, and the history of the Durham boats used during Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware. Advance registration is required.

Toasting the Tories: The Doan Gang and Bucks County Taverns
September 13, Washington Crossing Historic Park
In this engaging program, Clint Flack and Annie Halliday of Mercer Museum explore tavern culture in Revolutionary era Bucks County through the story of the infamous Doan Gang. The program examines how taverns supported local economies and were critical to the spread of news and revolutionary ideas, making them the perfect gathering places for members of the Doan Gang. Tavern operator Augustine Willet, who crossed the Delaware with Washington’s army, will be highlighted. After the presentation, visitors are invited to view some of Willet’s belongings, on loan from the Mercer Museum, in the park’s Exhibit Gallery.

Moravians in the American Revolution – Lecture by Dr. Scott Paul Gordon
September 15, Historic Trappe
Join us for this lecture by Dr. Scott Paul Gordon. The American Revolution put Pennsylvania’s Moravians in a tough place. They wanted to remain neutral, but Patriots demanded that they choose a side and threatened to seize all their property if they didn’t. When military forces—troops on the move, prisoners, injured soldiers—occupied Bethlehem (“engulfed” the small community, Bethlehem’s leader John Ettwein said), Moravians had no choice but to transform the way they lived. These communities did survive these dangerous times. But, as this talk will explore, the Revolution transformed Bethlehem permanently. Free admission.

Talks in the Tavern: Plant Medicines Used in the Revolutionary War (with Dr. Wendy Gruver)
September 17, Hellertown Historical Society
During the Revolutionary War, when costly imported medical supplies were no longer available, doctors turned to gardens and fields for healing plants used for generations. Wendy Gruver, a retired professor at the University of Pennsylvania and a registered herbalist, will present the historical use of lifesaving plants and discuss how this war was a pivotal point in the evolution of medicine. This event is open to the public and free to attend.

Allentown Liberty Bell Festival
September 19, Lehigh Valley 250
Did you know that Allentown played an important role in protecting the Liberty Bell during the American Revolution? That history takes center stage on Saturday, September 19, as Downtown Allentown hosts the inaugural Liberty Bell Festival, a free community celebration honoring the city’s unique place in the American story. The day begins with a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall followed by a processional featuring the Brandywine Colonials Fife & Drum Corps to the Liberty Bell replica at Zion’s Church. Throughout the afternoon, visitors can enjoy live music, food and beverage vendors, local artisans, community organizations, family-friendly activities and historical programming. The festival provides a chance to celebrate both the history that shaped Allentown and the people, businesses and organizations shaping the city today.

Footprints in the Snow (with Michael Jesberger)
September 24, Upper Milford Historical Society
Historian and reenactor Michael Jesberger will talk about General George Washington and his soldiers.

Life of the Civil War Soldier (with the 28th Pennsvylania Civil War Reenacting Unit and Mike Jesberger)
September 26, Kalmbach Memorial Park
Come join members of the 28th Pennsylvania Civil War reenacting unit and local historian, Mike Jesberger, for a day of fun and history. The 28th PA unit will share the details and stories of the Civil War soldiers’ life in 1861-1865. The program will include a small campsite, period uniforms, flags, equipment and weapons complete with musket firing demonstrations. Those interested in signing up for the Union Boys in blue can do so in a recruiting scenario and learn to march and drill like a Civil War soldier.

Effective Public History: Opportunities for Connecting Local History to America’s 250th
September 27, Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
Known as America’s most historic neighborhood, the Germantown section of Philadelphia (established in 1683) has distinguished itself by using public history initiatives to forge community. Dr. David Young, the author of The Battles of Germantown, considers what these efforts can tell us about public history’s practice and purpose in the United States. Young is the Executive Director of the Historical Society of Montgomery County, and his book won the 2020 Klein Prize by the Pennsylvania Historical Association for the book that best illuminates Pennsylvania history. Register by emailing info@schwenkfelder.org or calling 215-679-3103.

From Past to Present – Cement Industry: Portland Cement 101
September 30, Whitehall Historical Preservation Society
The Lehigh Valley has been blessed with an incredible resource known as the Jacksonville Limestone formation which supplied upwards of 40 separate cement plants in this region back in the early 1900s. As a veteran of the cement industry for more than 40 years, Stuart Guinther is excited to share his knowledge on the importance this man-made substance, rendered in the history of our nation, and the major role the Lehigh Valley has played in that history. Learn about the different types of cement produced and the development of production technologies and the companies that crafted it, both here in the Valley and around the world. Do you know the difference between cement and concrete? Stuart will talk about how it is made and how it works. Join us to discover the significance this industry had in the world, our nation, and our local community.

1776 By Lantern Light: A Preservation Preview
October 1, George Taylor House
Step Into 1776 by Lantern Light! Join a special evening at the George Taylor House as we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary and look toward the future of this National Historic Landmark. Guests are invited to experience the House in a relaxed open-house setting illuminated by the replica lanterns found throughout the historic rooms.Wander at your own pace while historically dressed guides share the stories of George Taylor, the house, and life during the Revolutionary era. Enjoy music, a tasting and glass of wine from Sleepy Cat Winery, light grazing-style refreshments, and special touches throughout the property. Meet the preservation professionals working with the George Taylor House on its historic Window Preservation Project. Ask questions about the windows’ condition, learn about traditional preservation methods, view examples of the restoration process, and discover what is involved in protecting these remarkable pieces of the House for future generations. The George Taylor House Association has already raised nearly $12,000 toward the first phase of the Window Preservation Project, and this evening is an opportunity to see firsthand what your support is helping make possible. Tickets: $45 per person. Proceeds from this special evening support the George Taylor House and its ongoing window preservation efforts.

Symposium – Experiencing Independence: Eyewitness Accounts of the American Revolution
October 2 & 3, Historic Trappe | Hosted at Ursinus College
Firsthand accounts of the American Revolution provide historians, museums, and historic sites with critical details for understanding what it was like to experience independence. To mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Historic Trappe, the McNeil Center for Early American Studies, and Ursinus College are partnering to convene a symposium, “Experiencing Independence: Eyewitness Accounts of the American Revolution.” This free symposium will explore the diaries, journals, letters, and material culture made or used by people in the mid-Atlantic region from 1760–1790. Panels will explore family dynamics in the midst of political upheaval, wartime experiences of soldiers and civilians, accounts from different religious perspectives, and new approaches to non-English sources on the American Revolution. Free admission.

Dinner & Speaker Series – My Dear Général: The Extraordinary Relationship between George Washington and the
Marquis de Lafayette
October 6, Perkasie Historical Society
Jeff Finegan joins us to discuss the third book in his I Knew George Washington series. My Dear Général explores the father-and-son relationship forged between Washington and the young and vibrant French aristocrat who traveled from France to fight in the American Revolution at his side. The orphaned Lafayette finds fatherly qualities in the stately Virginian and the reverse is true for a childless George Washington. The camps of the Continental army and battlefields ​of the Revolutionary War are witness to the development of one of the most incredible relationships in history. Admission: $15. Reservations are required.

Second Saturdays: Art & the American Revolution (Hybrid Program – in person and virtual)
October 10, Berks History Center
Step back in time with local artist Barbara Post and explore how artists captured the drama, sacrifice and ideals of the American Revolution. Discover how art shaped national identity during and after the revolutionary period through symbolism and imagery. The audience will learn the story behind the historical paintings that shaped the United States as well as the fascinating lives and legacies of the early American artists that painted them. This curated showcase highlights more than 30 iconic works of art and the visionary artists behind them. Admission: $5 Members | $10 Non-Members.

Historically Speaking: Colonial Speaker Series – Abigail Adams
October 10, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites
Join celebrated actor, historian, and interpreter Kim Hanley at the Luckenbach Mill, as she brings Adams’ story to life with her wit, intelligence, and unmistakable presence. Through this interactive program, the audience discovers the stress of British taxation, the strength of colonial families, and the dynamic between Abigail and John. It’s not just history being told, it’s shared in a way that makes you think about the lasting impact our early leaders had on the world. Your ticket to Abigail Adams also includes light refreshments and admission to the Moravian Museum that day. Tickets: $40.

The United States at 250 with the Centennial President Ulysses S. Grant
October 10, Jacobsburg Historical Society
We invite you to 1876 as the United States celebrates 100 years at the Centennial Exposition in Phiadelphia, opened by President Ulysses S. Grant. President Grant, interpreted by Kenneth Serfass, will speak on the accomplishments of our nation and the pioneer spirit that allowed us to grow and prosper. The pride in being American will be displayed with the hopes to inspire more success as we reflect on America’s 250th anniversary! Programs will be at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Tickets: $30.

Brown Bag Lecture Series – “the famous place Trenton, which I shall never forget”: Hessian Soldiers Before, During, and After the Battle of Trenton
October 14, Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
Three Hessian regiments, about 1,000 soldiers, were supposed to spend the winter of 1776–1777 quietly in Trenton, New Jersey, safe from George Washington’s army. But less than twenty days after they arrived in December 1776, they were surprised and captured. Jay Domalewski of the Old Barracks Museum will share a look at how the Battle of Trenton was a life-changing experience for those Hessian soldiers, including those who returned to their regiments and Germany and those who stayed in America, melding with Pennsylvania German culture

Talks in the Tavern: The Colonial Beginnings of American Currency (with John Ambrose)
October 15, Hellertown Historical Society
As America’s 250th anniversary celebrating the separation from Britain continues, Quakertown resident, John Ambrose, discusses a very practical obstacle along the path to our country’s independence: how to finance the Revolutionary War and conduct commerce in the absence of a banking system. The evolution of money, especially early colonial paper currency, tells a fascinating story about the brith of our democracy. Every colonial note was hand-signed in ink, often by leaders in society who also were leading the struggle for freedom. Meet some of these partiots who risked it all in the colonies’ fight for freedom. Learn their stories by examining actual colonial notes that bear their names, and explore how currency and colonial coinage was used.

Iron Ore Mines, a Railroad, and Other Surprises in the Longswamp Woods (an America250 Event)
October 18, Longswamp Township Historical Society
Imagine uncovering history just beyond your backyard! You take a short trail into the woods and find a wide, level path that heads in both directions. Along the path are railroad artifacts, iron-making materials, and more. Head down to where a stream goes under an abandoned railroad and find a masonry culvert that looks like a miniature turnpike tunnel. Elsewhere in the woods, you’ll discover an old iron ore test pit. Was Longswamp Township actually the epicenter of the Industrial Revolution? It was that question that led Merrill Brenner’s “historic journey” to understand the Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad, the Rittenhouse Gap iron mines, and the early iron industry in the southeastern portion of Longswamp Township.

Pennsylvania Historical Association Conference – Revolutionary Legacies in the Mid-Atlantic
October 22-24, Northampton Community College (Lehigh Valley 250)
Taking place in the Lehigh Valley this October, this year’s conference is focused on a theme of “Revolutionary Legacies in the Mid-Atlantic” where participants will examine the complex history of freedom, power and dissent in Pennsylvania—from the colonial period through today—with particular attention to the ideas contained in the Declaration of Independence.

Roger Lamb’s American Revolution: A British Soldier’s Story (Hybrid Format)
October 25, Washington Crossing Historic Park
In this talk, historian Dan Hagist explores the memoir of British soldier Roger Lamb, whose writings provide rare insight into daily military life and the lives of civilians caught in the conflict. He will highlight Lamb’s escape from American forces across the Delaware River in 1782. An illustration of the incident includes the story of a Black ferryman in Bristol and what it reveals about the essential roles of river workers and enslaved laborers in the wartime landscape. This lecture will be offered in a hybrid format, with both in-person and virtual attendance options available. Pre-registration is required for all participants.

Twilight Garden Tour: Poison, Potions, & Folklore in the Colonial Garden
October 30, Washington Crossing Historic Park
As dusk settles over Washington Crossing Historic Park, step onto the shadowed paths of the Hibbs House Kitchen Garden as we step back into time to discover the danger and mystery hidden within the 18th-century garden. Join Park Historical Horticulturist Anna Davis for a twilight exploration of the plants that lived on the darker edge of the colonial garden. In the 18th century, gardens were more than places of beauty and food; they were also sources of powerful medicines, protective herbs, dyes, and occasionally plants with dangerous reputations. During this atmospheric evening walk, discover the fascinating stories behind herbs believed to ward off evil, plants that could heal or harm depending on their use, and the folklore that surrounded everyday garden plants in early America. From bitter wormwood to the deep red dyes of madder root, the colonial kitchen garden holds more mystery than you might expect. This special twilight program is offered just before the park’s October 30th Lantern Tour and provides a unique glimpse into the more mysterious side of historic gardening. Tickets: $20.

Dinner Play Production: The Edge of Revolution with the Bachmann Players
November 19 and 21, Hellertown Historical Society
The Bachmann Players of Easton will present an original play – Edge of Revolution – at the Hellertown Historical Society’s Tavern venue with two performances on November 19 and 21, beginning at 6:00 p.m. each evening. Edge of Revolution takes place in the wake of the Boston Tea Party, after the British Parliament has closed the port of Boston and imposed a series of harsh new laws upon Massachusetts. Now, the citizens of Easton and Northampton County must decide where they stand. In a recreation of a meeting that occurred in the Courthouse on Easton’s Centre Square in June, 1774, Patriot George Taylor, outspoken loyalist Louis Gordon, and their fellow townsmen gather to debate the crisis. Tempers rise, alliances shift, and the future of the colonies hangs in the balance. Blending drama, humor, history, and audience participation, Edge of Revolution invites you into a divided colonial community at the moment when protest is becoming rebellion—and ordinary citizens must choose between loyalty, conscience, and independence. Tickets: $70 for Public Patrons | $60 Members. Attendees will be served a traditional colonial tavern dinner of chicken pot pie in individual pans, carrot cake muffins, a salad, and apple cobbler for dessert. Cheese and cracker trays will be placed at each table, and adult beverages will be provided. Tickets go on sale October 1.