BIRDSBORO PA – Experience Christmas as it was in 18th century America – a simple time, yet filled with celebration, feasting, and frivolity – during “A Homestead Holiday,” on Sunday (Dec. 10, 2023) at the Daniel Boone Homestead in Birdsboro.
From noon to 4 p.m. throughout the historic area, visitors will see, hear, and learn about different Christmas traditions of families who lived on the property. They include the young child, born at the homestead in 1734, who grew up to become famed frontiersman Daniel Boone.
Tickets for the event, held on a portion of the homestead’s 579 acres of rolling countryside with an entrance at 400 Daniel Boone Rd., are available for purchase at its welcome center. Admission costs $10 for adults, $8 for seniors age 65 and older, and $5 for youths age 6-17. Children younger than age 5 are admitted free, as are members of The Daniel Boone Homestead Associates.
A meal from the hearth, and more
In the Boone House, volunteers will cook a Christmas meal in the hearth. Visitors can enjoy English and German parlors, decorated for the season. See the Blacksmith Shop and the Homestead Barn while walking up to the Bertolet Log House. The Pennsylvania German log cabin bears a unique architectural history, and will be open for tours.
Make sure to save time for a visit and picture with Santa. Keep an eye out, too, for the Belsnickel. The Belsnickel, part of 18th century rural Pennsylvania German Christmas lore, is much different from today’s jolly Santa.
If they’re chilled, or just want something tasty, visitors can warm up with complimentary hot chocolate and hot wassail.
The event, as well as daily historic operations, is sponsored and operated by the local and non-profit homestead associates. The homestead is owned by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Pets and smoking are not allowed. The Boone House, constructed in three stages throughout the 18th century, is a 10-room stone structure fully furnished to the period.
Guests can learn about English and Pennsylvania German holiday celebrations. They’ll enjoy parlor music with Bob Mouland. Homestead carolers will wander throughout the historic area singing holiday medleys. Holiday crafts and activities for children include a Christmas scavenger hunt through the historic area. After completing the hunt, children will be able to receive a holiday treat bag.
For more information, call the Daniel Boone Homestead at 610-582-4900, or send an e-mail to thedanielboonehomestead@gmail.com.
Photos provided to Travels With The Post by The Daniel Boone Homestead
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