BIRDSBORO PA – The sights, smells, and sounds of colonial America will come alive Oct. 18 (2026; Sunday), as the Daniel Boone Homestead hosts its annual Heritage Day Fall Festival.
New participants and new demonstrations this year, as well as the historical site’s America250 observance, are anticipated to create more interest for its visitors. Gates of the homestead, at 400 Daniel Boone Rd., will open from noon to 4 p.m. to welcome them.
The event features a wealth of colonial and early American trades: blacksmithing, gunsmithing, leather-working, open-hearth cooking, tinsmithing, spinning, and gardening. Additionally, Stone House History returns this year with tape-weaving and wood-carving demonstrations.
The homestead is presenting an 18th-century fashion display. Also being introduced this year is “Coffee with a Colonial.” It is intended to provide visitors with unique insights into what was an important colonial beverage.
Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors age 65 and older, and $5 for youths between ages 6 and 17. Children age 5 and younger are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. The homestead prohibits smoking, and pets (except service animals) are not permitted. For more information, call 610-582-4900.
Entertainment, and Engagement
Colonial musician Robert Mouland will entertain visitors all afternoon with historic instruments and dancing puppets. Music also will be performed by the Brandywine Fife and Drum Corps. Its members will explain the importance of the fife and drum during the American Revolution.
Families can enjoy a variety of hands-on activities. Scheduled are pumpkin painting, candle dipping, quill-pen writing, and playing with colonial toys and games. From living history interpreters they can hear about the colonial militia and Dragoons, and can participate in a muster activity, using wooden dummy guns and swords.
They will have opportunities, too, to explore the wares of artisan crafters, and treats from specialty food vendors.
Houses Open for Tours
The homestead’s two historic houses – the Boone House and the Bertolet Log House, both on-site – will be open for tours. Learn about the three families who lived on the property during the 18th and early 19th centuries.
The Boone House, constructed in three stages throughout the 18th century, is a 10-room stone structure. It is fully furnished to the period and situated on 579 acres of rolling countryside.
Inside the Boone House, visitors can view an apothecary display featuring period medical instruments. Visit the spring cellar as well; it’s the oldest part of the Boone House. Make a stop to talk with the laundress and tailor. Inside the unique, three-room Bertolet Log House, see a prime example of early Germanic architecture.
The homestead is the birthplace of the famed frontiersman Daniel Boone, born in 1734. It is located between Reading and Pottstown, one mile north of U.S. Route 422 near Baumstown. The Homestead is owned by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. The event is presented and funded by The Daniel Boone Homestead Associates.
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