ROYERSFORD PA – The ink isn’t yet dry on the outline for this year’s summer history programs at the Spring-Ford Area Historical Society. Admittedly, there’s one gap yet to be filled in its schedule. But what’s already known about the line-up promises to be entertaining, its newsletter reported.
Even a bit theatric, it indicated.
The programs start with a June 24 (2024; Monday) introduction to America’s most famous seamstress. The 7 p.m. event, in the pavilion at the rear of the society’s 526 Main St. museum, features a portrayal of Colonial flag-maker Betsy Ross by Carol Spacht of the American Historical Theatre.
Spacht, the newsletter explains, is “the” Betsy Ross; the well-known individual who helps interpret the history of the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia. Her presentation on behalf of the society will offer “the facts, as well as the myths, surrounding this legendary personality from our country’s history.”
On July 22 at 7 p.m. beneath the pavilion, the society’s audience will meet – but possibly more important, hear – the S.O.A.P. Old Time Radio Actors. “This group of live performers will bring scripts from the Age of Radio to life, complete with sound effects,” according to the newsletter. “Come and see how a radio program from the 1940s was produced and performed,” it urged.
On Aug. 5, also at 7 p.m. at the pavilion, the society will host a mystery scavenger hunt. Here’s its challenge: participants will work together with their family or group members “to find and unlock clues to solve a mystery.” Prizes are offered.
The society anticipates children from kindergarten through sixth grade will learn a great deal, historically and otherwise, from the exercise. As a result, it expects to soon provide an online link for registration and more information to follow.
Oh, about that “gap.” The program for July 8 has yet “to be announced.”
Take a look at ‘The Porch’
If you haven’t seen it, the society’s Farmhouse Porch Project “is completed and it is stunning!,” an earlier newsletter noted.
“The new decking matches the 1910 porch, but is made of composite, low-maintenance material. In addition, the entire porch area including walls, window frames, and columns, was scraped, patched, and repainted. Joists compromised by previous water and termite damage were replaced. New outlets were installed to facilitate future events and landscape lighting.”
As of mid-May, the society said it had raised “91% of the $25,000 for the original project.” However, additional costs were incurred with painting and the unexpected joist replacement. Donations to pay off the porch renovation expense are still being accepted by the society. It expects to publish “a list of all porch donors will be published in the near future,” it said.
Photo by Travels With The Post
Party Like A Pollinator Saturday at Pennypacker Mills