BIRDSBORO PA – The arrival of fall gives members of the Daniel Boone Homestead Associates yet another reason to celebrate, and they’re gearing up for the homestead’s annual Heritage Day event.
The living history program is scheduled for Oct. 22 (2023; Sunday) from noon to 4 p.m. at the birthplace of frontiersman Daniel Boone, 400 Daniel Boone Rd. The day features a variety of 18th Century demonstrations, trades, and hands-on activities, including blacksmithing, gunsmithing, hearth cooking, textile processing, candle dipping, and leather-working.
Colonial musician Bob Mouland will provide entertainment, and other performers and re-enactors include “Ye Olde Colonial Angler of 1770” and Pennsylvania Craftsmen Construction. Craft and specialty food vendors will be on hand, as will organizers for children’s fall activities. Pumpkin painting tops that list, followed by candle dipping, quill pen writing, and toys and games.
Activities inside and out on the Boone property
In the 10-room Boone stone house, volunteers will cook a hearty meal over the hearth, while Mouland introduces visitors to music on his octave spinet harpsichord in the parlor. They can also tour the house and spring cellar, and learn about the three families who lived there during the 18th and early 19th centuries. The nearby three-room Bertolet Log House will be open too.
Throughout the historic area, visitors can watch and ask questions about 18th Century textile processing, wool dyeing, spinning, and quilting demonstrations. Volunteers also will demonstrate their ability to create and repair guns of the period, forge commonly used tools, and prepare and work leather into a variety of clothing and other uses.
The colonial angler will display colonial fly-fishing items, hooks, lines, and angle rods. Demonstrations of fly and methods of bait fishing are scheduled as well. The Pennsylvania Craftsmen Construction Company is ready to demonstrate 18th Century building techniques.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at the site. They cost $10 for adults, $8 for seniors age 65 and older, $5 for youths ages 6-17; and children age 5 and under, and members of the associates are admitted free. Pets and smoking are not allowed. For more information, call the homestead at 610-582-4900.
The homestead is located between Reading and Pottstown, one mile north of U.S. Route 422 near Baumstown. It is owned by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, and daily historic operations are run by the local, non-profit associates.
Photos from Daniel Boone Homestead Associates, used by Travels With The Post with permission
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