| Event Name | Organization | Dates | City | | Daytime Historic Site ToursPresented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site April 6, 2009 - Ongoing Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Tours today include the cellblocks, solitary punishment cells, Al Capone's Cell, and Death Row. Admission includes “The Voices of Eastern State” Audio Tour narrated by actor Steve Buscemi.
Want to get tickets for this event and others like it at half-price? | Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site | 04/06/09-
Ongoing | Philadelphia |
Uncle Sam's Trail to IndependencePresented by Uncle Sam's Philadelphia Tours August 9, 2010 - Ongoing Our walking tour of historic Philadelphia follows the very same roadways where many fought for independence. Experience numerous sites and stories that were a special part of Philadelphia as Washington, Jefferson, Hancock, Adams, Franklin, Lee and so many others worked a course to the birth of a new nation. | Uncle Sam's Philadelphia Tours | 08/09/10-
Ongoing | Philadelphia |
Liberty 360Presented by Historic Philadelphia, Inc. at Historic Philadelphia Center September 29, 2010 - Ongoing This amazing, emotional, visual and audio film adventure celebrates the iconic symbols which have shaped the history of America and are still significant in the hearts and daily lives of its people. This brand new attraction, a 360-degree, 3-D show designed by David Niles and produced by the Nile Creative Group, is unlike anything that has ever been seen before. Liberty 360 escorts the audience on a journey of discovery and exploration of America's most beloved symbols, led by Philadelphia... | Historic Philadelphia, Inc. | 09/29/10-
Ongoing | Philadelphia |
Hands-On HistoryPresented by Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site May 23, 2011 - Ongoing New for 2011, Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site literally hands visitors the keys to the cellblocks with new Hands-On History interactive experiences. These short demonstrations take place throughout the penitentiary complex, each lasting five minutes or less. An expert Eastern State tour guide leads each activity, although visitors do the bulk of the physical activities themselves. These interactive experiences run throughout the day and change monthly so be sure to check our website... | Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site | 05/23/11-
Ongoing | Philadelphia |
Woodford Mansion Guided ToursPresented by Woodford Mansion & Naomi Wood Antiques Collection July 25, 2011 - Ongoing Located in Philadelphia’s historic and picturesque Fairmount Park, Woodford Mansion tells the story of Colonial Philadelphia, American Patriots, British Loyalists, immigrants, merchants and some of the city’s most influential citizens. The 18th-century Colonial mansion is one of the most elegant survivors of the group of early country estates which were built along the Schuylkill River. Woodford is recognized as a National Historic Landmark for its architectural and... | Woodford Mansion & Naomi Wood Antiques Collection | 07/25/11-
Ongoing | Philadelphia |
Arts in Sacred PlacesMay 17, 2012 - Ongoing Partners for Sacred Places brings together a national network of expert professionals who understand the value of a congregation’s architectural assets, its worth as a faith community, and the significance of its service to the community at large.
Through our training programs, information clearinghouse, and professional network, we have helped congregations in all 50 states. Stories of success unfolding in cities, towns, and rural areas inform Partners’ knowledge bank.... | | 05/17/12-
Ongoing | |
Guided Tours of Glencairn MuseumPresented by Glencairn Museum at Glencairn Museum May 19, 2012-May 4, 2013 The Highlights Tour includes a 15-minute award-winning orientation video and ride in the original elevator to the Tower, with its commanding view of the local area and the Philadelphia skyline (be sure to bring your camera!). The guide will describe Glencairn in the context of the history of the Bryn Athyn community, and explain the fascinating relationship between Glencairn and its neighbors, Cairnwood and Bryn Athyn Cathedral. The tour also includes a visit to the Pitcairn family's Chapel... | Glencairn Museum | 05/19/12-
05/04/13 | Bryn Athyn |
Call to Arms! Emergency Militia in Pennsylvania during the Gettysburg Campaign ExhibitPresented by Pennypacker Mills at Pennypacker Mills May 15, 2012-May 1, 2013 These citizen soldiers were the first forces to defend Pennsylvania from the Confederate invasion in June of 1863, and were instrumental in preventing rebels from crossing the Susquehanna River, thus saving Harrisburg from capture.
The Galleries are located on the second floor of the mansion. | Pennypacker Mills | 05/15/12-
05/01/13 | Schwenksville |
Titanic Philadelphians ExhibitPresented by Independence Seaport Museum at Independence Seaport Museum April 13, 2012-April 14, 2013 Titanic Philadelphians spotlights the personal lives of the Philadelphians directly affected by the ship disaster. The exhibit is told through the accounts and stories of the Philadelphians that sailed on the Titanic during her maiden voyage. At the center of the exhibit is the Titanic first class passenger list, one of only a few copies known to still exist from the ship. | Independence Seaport Museum | 04/13/12-
04/14/13 | Philadelphia |
The Academy at 200: The Nature of DiscoveryPresented by Academy of Natural Sciences at Academy of Natural Sciences March 24, 2012-March 31, 2013 The Academy at 200: The Nature of Discovery celebrates the Academy of Natural Sciences’ groundbreaking discoveries of the past and present and provides a glimpse into the future of one of the world’s great natural history museums. Through this spectacular new exhibit, visitors will journey alongside Academy scientists to search for new species and explore how human activity is affecting the environment. See rare and amazing plants and animals from the Academy’s... | Academy of Natural Sciences | 03/24/12-
03/31/13 | Philadelphia |
Heritage Center Open HoursPresented by Heritage Center of the Union League January 31, 2012-January 29, 2013 Visit the Heritage Center of the Union League of Philadelphia! The exhibit "Love of Country Leads" recounts the story of the Union League's formation and its storied history in the city and nation. The "Philadelphia 1861-1865" exhibits recount our city's reaction to the tumultuous years of the Civil War. Also, check out "Philadlephia 1862: A City At War." | Heritage Center of the Union League | 01/31/12-
01/29/13 | Philadelphia |
Constructing Play: Classic Building ToysPresented by Philadelphia Center for Architecture at Philadelphia Center for Architecture November 23, 2012-January 24, 2013 With over 50 toys on display from the past 175 years, Constructing Play explores the history of play and the pedagogical foundation that underlies the creation of building toys. Visitors to this exhibition will learn about their favorite toys, from Tinker Toys to LEGO, Erector Sets to K’Nex. They will also learn how structures stay up, discover famous local buildings in miniature, and see how toy designers took inspiration from the past to create today’s most popular... | Philadelphia Center for Architecture | 11/23/12-
01/24/13 | Philadelphia |
Uncorked! Wine, Objects and TraditionPresented by Winterthur Museum and Country Estate at Winterthur Museum and Country Estate April 28, 2012-January 6, 2013 Join us in celebrating this delightful beverage with a new exhibition created to explore the stunning range of objects associated with the history of wine drinking, especially in Britain and America. The exhibition will share some of the fascinating and incredibly broad range of wine-related materials—from wineglasses and cellarets to song sheets and paintings—and, in total, will include more than 300 objects.
| Winterthur Museum and Country Estate | 04/28/12-
01/06/13 | Winterthur |
Holiday Tours Presented by Pennypacker Mills at Pennypacker Mills November 20, 2012-January 6, 2013 Enter a mansion decorated in Victorian splendor! Each room tells a different part of the story of how Christmas as we know it today began. Decorated greens grace each archway, ribbon flows everywhere, glass ornaments shimmer on a farm cut tree, and plainly wrapped presents await opening. Visit the Museum Shop for Victorian inspired ornaments, home decor and gifts too! | Pennypacker Mills | 11/20/12-
01/06/13 | Schwenksville |
Home of the Brave: The War of 1812 in Art, Story & SongPresented by Independence Seaport Museum at Independence Seaport Museum March 16-December 31, 2012 The Home of the Brave exhibit marks the bicentennial of “America’s forgotten war,” the War of 1812. Comprised of objects from the collection of Independence Seaport Museum, as well as loans from the Dietrich American Foundation and other private collectors, the exhibition explores the naval aspect of the War of 1812 through art, material and popular culture, as well as first-hand accounts of participants and on-lookers and interactive cannons that visitors can... | Independence Seaport Museum | 03/16/12-
12/31/12 | Philadelphia |
Hands-on ToursPresented by Rosenbach Museum and Library at Rosenbach Museum and Library February 1-December 30, 2012 Get in touch with objects that are not usually on view to the public. Each staff-led tour explores a theme, with new tours regularly added to the mix. Recommended for adults and children eight and older.
Current topics include everything from magic to James Joyce to the Civil War.
For a schedule of upcoming topics, please click here! | Rosenbach Museum and Library | 02/01/12-
12/30/12 | Philadelphia |
Tempus Fugit: Time FliesPresented by American Philosophical Society Museum at American Philosophical Society Museum April 13-December 30, 2012 Time flies, leaving its mark on the people and objects it touches. This exhibition explores how we try to capture, measure, and find meaning in the midst of time’s inevitable passage. The show includes books, manuscripts, and curiosities from the historic APS collections along with drawings, paintings, collages, videos, and a sound work by contemporary artist Antonia Contro, who selected the APS objects and juxtaposed her own works in response to them. A tiny 1805 topographic model of... | American Philosophical Society Museum | 04/13/12-
12/30/12 | Philadelphia |
Washington's Christmas Day CrossingPresented by Friends of Washington Crossing Park at Washington Crossing Historic Park December 25, 2012 Everyone is invited to join us in honoring the soldiers of 1776 as we recreate their heroic Crossing of the Delaware. Attendees should wear warm clothes, arrive early and be prepared to walk a bit from parking as we always have a full house to celebrate the holiday in this patriotic fashion. Each December, thousands of people gather on the banks of the Delaware to watch the reenactment of George Washington’s daring 1776 river crossing. During the event, visitors watch as... | Friends of Washington Crossing Park | 12/25/12 | Washington Crossing |
Philadelphia Food Truck TourPresented by Ready to Nosh Food Tours March 22-December 19, 2012 This Culinary Tasting Adventure (TM) will explore the food trucks of Philadelphia. Each stop includes a tasting, and is structured with an emphasis on individual truck specialties as well as the diversity of regional cuisine found at these trucks.
The Philadelphia Food Truck Crawl is suitable for those who have never visited a food truck, as well as those who are looking to explore new trucks and dishes.
The amount of food served is similar to having a regular... | Ready to Nosh Food Tours | 03/22/12-
12/19/12 | Philadelphia |
| Community Holiday Open House | Pearl S. Buck House & Historic Site | 12/11/12 | Perkasie |
Holiday Open HousePresented by Moravian Pottery and Tile Works at Moravian Pottery and Tile Works December 9, 2012 Santa Claus has agreed to take time out of his busy holiday schedule to greet kids of all ages at the seasonal festivities cooperatively sponsored by Fonthill Museum and the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works at Fonthill Park. Fonthill Museum and its staff will offer a free ground floor open house. This is a special chance for young people to catch a glimpse of Henry Mercer's incredible castle. In addition, the staff will also offer a great craft making activity, along with cider and... | Moravian Pottery and Tile Works | 12/09/12 | Doylestown |
Victorian Christmas Open House Presented by Pennypacker Mills at Pennypacker Mills December 8, 2012 The music of a bell choir beckons, for it's Christmas and Santa is waiting! Enter the decorated mansion of PA Governor Samuel Pennypacker and his family for an unforgettable experience in Victorian splendor. Glass ornaments, ribbons and gold trim add shine to every mantle and windowsill. Living historians bring holiday traditions to life. Visit the Museum Shop for unique Victorian-inspired ornaments, gifts and home decor items. | Pennypacker Mills | 12/08/12 | Schwenksville |
Christmas on the FarmPresented by Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation at Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation December 8, 2012 Get into the holiday spirit!
Last chance to visit with the Plantation in 2012.
Farmhouse decorated
Byers Choice "Farmer and Farmer's wife" available for purchase! Limited Edition carolers!
Tea tasting
Wassailing the Orchard at 1 and 3 (a Plantation Tradition)
Textile, woodworking, and long rifle demos
Plantation Store Sale
| Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation | 12/08/12 | Newtown Square |
Treasures and Traditions Holiday Craft ShowPresented by Pearl S. Buck House & Historic Site at Pearl S. Buck House November 23-December 2, 2012 The region’s best artisans and crafters come together for this juried collection of crafts, gifts, fine art and antiques at this popular one-stop shopping holiday show. Luncheon cafe open daily. Gift shop discount available with ticket. | Pearl S. Buck House & Historic Site | 11/23/12-
12/02/12 | Perkasie |
| On the Edge of Battle: Chester County and the Civil War | Chester County Historical Society | 09/22/11-
12/01/12 | West Chester |
Candlelight ToursPresented by Peter Wentz Farmstead at Peter Wentz Farmstead December 1, 2012 The soft glow of candlelight will guide you throughout the decorated Farmstead for tours showcasing period music,
seasonal decorations, holiday foodways, and a visit from Belsnickel, a Pennsylvania German St. Nicholas in furs.
| Peter Wentz Farmstead | 12/01/12 | Worcester |
Clear Toy Candy: A Sweet TraditionPresented by Pennypacker Mills at Pennypacker Mills December 1, 2012 Most children 100 years ago hoped for a piece of clear toy candy in their Christmas stocking. The three-dimensional shapes shined like glass. Come for an informative presentation on the history of this beloved holiday treat and then see how it was made using antique molds. This presentation will take place in the Classroom Bldg. Call site for specific directions.
Afterward, why not take a free Guided Tour of the holiday decorations at the Pennypacker mansion? All tours stop in... | Pennypacker Mills | 12/01/12 | Schwenksville |
African American Images Trolley TourPresented by Mural Arts Program, City of Philadelphia at African American Museum in Philadelphia April 28-November 24, 2012 The Mural Arts Program presents a compilation of murals that capture the rich African American experience in Philadelphia. The murals honor significant figures W.E.B. DuBois, Harriet Tubman, Jackie Robinson, Dr. J., Malcolm X, and many more.
In addition to the 2-hour guided mural tour, admission to the African American Museum in Philadelphia is included (up to a $37 dollar value)! The mural tour includes audio narration by ?uestlove of the Grammy® Award-winning band The Roots,... | Mural Arts Program, City of Philadelphia | 04/28/12-
11/24/12 | Philadelphia |
Open Hearth CookingPresented by Pennsbury Manor at Pennsbury Manor November 18, 2012 Pennsylvania German Foodway Traditions: With Penn’s visit to the Palatinate, he encouraged these Germans to settle in Pennsylvania and with them came their foodway traditions. The cooks will prepare several of these receipts and compare them with English traditions. | Pennsbury Manor | 11/18/12 | Morrisville |
Christmas Wreath Making WorkshopPresented by Pennypacker Mills at Pennypacker Mills November 17, 2012 Make a beautiful live wreath that will rival any you can buy! Bring ribbon for a bow and some greens from home (required), and Pennypacker will provide greens, supplies and all the hands-on instructions you'll need. Refreshments served.
Ages 12+.
A great workshop for a group of friends, neighbors or scouts! A confirmation will be sent to each participant along with directions and a site map. Workshop held in the Classroom Building.
| Pennypacker Mills | 11/17/12 | Schwenksville |
| Seasonal Foods: Mincemeat | Peter Wentz Farmstead | 11/10/12 | Worcester |
Historic Fallsington Fall FlingPresented by Historic Fallsington, Inc. at Historic Fallsington November 10, 2012 This memorable evening begins at 6:30pm with cocktails. A sumptuous dinner buffet follows at 7pm (libations included). Immediately following dinner, place your bids at our auction. Seating is limited. Reservations on a first-come–first-served basis must be prepaid. | Historic Fallsington, Inc. | 11/10/12 | Fallsington |
Historic Fallsington Informative LecturePresented by Historic Fallsington, Inc. at Fallsington Friend’s Meetinghouse November 8, 2012 Program presented by Candace Perry from the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center. Delve into the spiritual world of our Pennsylvania German forefathers and explore Hex Signs and Himmelsbriefs: Pennsylvania German and the Paranormal. Call to reserve your space.
| Historic Fallsington, Inc. | 11/08/12 | Fallsington |
Lecture: If this you see, remember me: Girlhood SamplersPresented by Peter Wentz Farmstead at Farmer's Union Hall of the Worcester Township Historical Society November 7, 2012 Enjoy a presentation about regional needlework samplers dating to the late 18th through mid 19th centuries from textile historian, Kathy Lesieur. She has collected and studied these examples of early girlhood education for over 15 years and will bring along some wonderful items from her own collection produced by the Schwenkfelders and others in the area.
Program to be held at the Worcester Historical Society- Farmers’ Union Hall near the corner of Routes... | Peter Wentz Farmstead | 11/07/12 | Worcester |
Election 2012 Presented by National Constitution Center at National Constitution Center April 24-November 7, 2012 At the National Constitution Center, the presidential election comes to life for visitors of all ages! Prior to touring the Center’s exhibits, guests are encouraged to stop by Election HQ on the Grand Hall Overlook. Designed with the festive look and feel of a political rally, Election HQ will excite and engage visitors with activities and programs about the ins and outs of the election process. Guests can watch presidential campaign ads, cast a vote for their favorite presidential... | National Constitution Center | 04/24/12-
11/07/12 | Philadelphia |
Ghost Tour of Philadelphia Candlelight Walking TourPresented by Ghost Tours of Philadelphia at Signers Garden March 30-October 31, 2012 Discover the secrets hidden in the shadows of America's most historic and most haunted city!
Join the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia for a candlelight stroll along the back streets and mysterious gardens of Society Hill and Independence Park, where tales of ghostly spirits, haunted houses and eerie graveyards lurk in the night!
Haunted Trolley Tours and Ghost Hunting Tours are also available.
Tours depart from Signers Garden at 5th and Chestnut Streets.... | Ghost Tours of Philadelphia | 03/30/12-
10/31/12 | Philadelphia |
Historic Smithville Mansion ToursPresented by The Friends of the Mansion at Smithville May 6-October 31, 2012 Tours of the Historic Mansion of Smithville located east of Mount Holly, NJ .8 miles north of Route 38. Guests will be accompanied by informative docents. Enjoy the mystery and accomplisments of H.B. Smith: industrialist, inventor, entrepreneur and statesman of the Industrial Revolution. Stroll throught the industrial village and parks of Smithville. Tours of the Mansion are held rain or shine. | The Friends of the Mansion at Smithville | 05/06/12-
10/31/12 | Mount Holly |
Spirits from the Past ToursPresented by Historic Fallsington, Inc. at Gillingham Store October 28, 2012 Historic Fallsington invites you to experience the unimaginable, ghostly visitations and tales from the past! Meet a host of village spirits from the 18th century as you are Lantern-led through the historic village of Fallsington. Limited space, prepaid tickets only. | Historic Fallsington, Inc. | 10/28/12 | Fallsington |
Spring Opening of the Germantown White HousePresented by Independence National Historical Park at Deshler-Morris House April 6-October 28, 2012 The oldest official presidential residence, the Germantown White House, (Deshler-Morris House) twice sheltered George Washington. In October 1793, he found refuge during the Yellow Fever epidemic in Philadelphia. Continuing the business of government, he held four cabinet meetings there. The next summer, it was a welcome retreat for him and his family near Philadelphia, the Federal Capital. | Independence National Historical Park | 04/06/12-
10/28/12 | Philadelphia |
| Candlelight Ghost Tour and Stories | Pearl S. Buck House & Historic Site | 10/28/12 | Perkasie |
Halloween on the FarmPresented by Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation at Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation October 27-October 28, 2012 Trick or treat at the Plantation. Wear your costume and visit six spots to receive a treat. The farm animals will be there including the horse, Abigail. There will be hearth cooking and other colonial activities.
| Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation | 10/27/12-
10/28/12 | Newtown Square |
Independence After Hours Presented by Historic Philadelphia, Inc. at Historic Philadelphia Center April 20-October 27, 2012 Discover and fall in love with the story of our nation’s birth on Independence After Hours! Enjoy dinner at the historic City Tavern, have an exclusive tour of Independence Hall, and encounter the Founding Fathers as they debate the Declaration of Independence.
| Historic Philadelphia, Inc. | 04/20/12-
10/27/12 | Philadelphia |
Open Hearth CookingPresented by Pennsbury Manor at Pennsbury Manor October 21, 2012 The bake oven will be fired and the aroma of bread will fill the Bake and Brew as the Pennsbury cooks recreate a baking day in the 17th century.
| Pennsbury Manor | 10/21/12 | Morrisville |
All Hallow's Eve Fall FestivalPresented by Pennypacker Mills at Pennypacker Mills October 20, 2012 Come early for this old-fashioned event with tractor pulled hayrides through the meadow for the whole family, pumpkin painting and crafts for kids, bean bag toss and hay pile jumping for kids. Try corn shucking and a cider press churning just as farmers did 100 years ago. Refreshments served. All ages!
Call site if weather is inclement. | Pennypacker Mills | 10/20/12 | Schwenksville |
17th Annual Crooked Billet 5K Run, 1 Mile Fun Run & Health WalkPresented by Craven Hall Historical Society at Warminster Community Park October 20, 2012 Come and join us at Warminster Community Park for 17th Annual Crooked Billet Run - 5K Race & Health Walk. A 1 Mile Fun Run will precede the 5K event. Prizes are awarded. What a great way to enjoy a Fall day and to support preservation and educational activities at Craven Hall! | Craven Hall Historical Society | 10/20/12 | Warminster |
Ghost ToursPresented by Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation at Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation October 19-October 20, 2012 The Colonial Plantation, one of the most haunted properties in Delaware County, invites you to an evening of strange sounds, squeaky doors, and ghostly stories. Relive some of the areas most mysterious, true and scary tales of terror. Start by following the torch lit path. Tour the farmhouse and hear a story in each room that will tell of bizarre events from times long past and people long dead. Finish at the bonfire for a last bone chilling tale of ghosts and mayhem. | Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation | 10/19/12-
10/20/12 | Newtown Square |
Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Ancient TimesPresented by The Franklin Institute at The Franklin Institute May 12-October 14, 2012 This spring, Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute will feature the most comprehensive collection of ancient artifacts from Israel ever organized in the new exhibit Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Ancient Times. The exhibit includes one of the largest collections of the priceless 2000-year-old Dead Sea Scrolls ever displayed in North America and an actual three-ton stone from the Western Wall in Jerusalem, and marks the world debut of four scrolls. The exhibit opens at The... | The Franklin Institute | 05/12/12-
10/14/12 | Philadelphia |
| Sail on the Kalmar Nyckel, the Tall Ship of Delaware | Kalmar Nyckel Foundation | 05/12/12-
10/14/12 | Wilmington |
Medieval DaysPresented by Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation at Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation October 13-October 14, 2012 On Saturday and Sunday, October 13th and 14th, come see what life was really like during the Middle Ages in Europe. From the vikings to the age of Columbus, various encampments will portray aspects of Medieval Life. See how five hundred years of European culture thrived and changed. Romans, Saxons, Normans, and Vikings, and will portray life of this heroic era of Western Civilization.
Finally, witness the changes that technology made by the late Middle Ages by viewing the... | Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation | 10/13/12-
10/14/12 | Newtown Square |
Haunting Stories by the Bonfire!Presented by Pennypacker Mills at Pennypacker Mills October 6, 2012 Bring along a chair or blanket for an evening of intriguing stories that won't frighten you as much as entertain yhou with haunting themes. Fun for the whole family. Enjoy a marshmallow roast at the bonfire afterward. Bring along your favorite roasting stick! Marshmallows provided!
In case of inclement weather, call site. | Pennypacker Mills | 10/06/12 | Schwenksville |
