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POSTPONED – Living History Sunday: Colonial Society
Join us for a day of activities that would have been pursued by members of Philadelphia's Colonial elite. The Tapestry Historic Dance Ensemble will be demonstrating country dances, and we'll be learning about tea service and the language of the fan. Free demonstrations, plus nominal charge for tour of the Keith House ($5 /12+, $3/3-11).
Find out more »CANCELLED: Independence Day at Graeme Park
View our flag collection and join us for a reading of the Declaration of Independence. Free demonstrations, plus nominal charge for tour of the Keith House ($5 /12+, $3/3-11). Schedule TBD.
Find out more »CANCELLED: Living History Sunday: Yellow Fever & Colonial Medicine
Join us for a demonstration on herbal medicine and to learn why country estates like Graeme Park were an important respite during Yellow Fever outbreaks in the city. Free demonstrations, plus nominal charge for tour of the Keith House ($5 /12+, $3/3-11).
Find out more »CANCELLED: Living History Sunday: Lenni Lenape & Native American Traditions
The Briar Bush Nature Center will be here with an interactive exploration of the history of the native people of Pennsylvania. Attendees can interact with authentic and recreated props and tools, learn traditional methods of hunting and gathering, and play Native American games. Free demonstrations, plus nominal charge for tour of the Keith House ($5 /12+, $3/3-11).
Find out more »CANCELLED: Songs & Stories of the Civil War – presented by Matthew Dodd
Dressed in period clothing, Matthew Dodd takes listeners back in time to the Civil War, using songs and stories (humorous and poignant) that show what it was like to be a soldier of the North or South, civilian or loved-one-at-home or an escaped slave in the days of the Civil War. Free. Donations gladly accepted. Sample of Matthew's work:
Find out more »CANCELLED: Living History Sunday: Pirates in Colonial America
Governor William Keith, the first owner of Graeme Park, helped to rid the port of Philadelphia from the scourge of Blackbeard the Pirate. The Schooner Pursuit Historical Society will be here with their mobile museum to educate visitors on the difference between pirates and privateers, sign up recruits, and tell you about life at sea as a privateer. Children and visitors are invited to dress in their best Pirate costume, walk the plank, and partake in a hunt for hidden…
Find out more »Living History – Featuring the Tapestry Dancers
Join us for an afternoon of Colonial dancing with the Tapestry Dancers, a demonstration of tea-service etiquette, and other activities a wealthy and socially prominent family such as the Graemes would have enjoyed during their stays at their country home here in Horsham. The Tapestry Dancers will be demonstrating on the lawn and will teach the audience a few moves as well. Outside program is free (but donations are always appreciated); tours of the Keith House are $7 for adults…
Find out more »The Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793
We may have had enough of the Covid-19 pandemic, but endemic and pandemic diseases were not unknown to our Colonial ancestors either. While they often had to cope with much less scientific knowledge than we have today, and even had their own quack cures, some basics, like social distancing and masking, were practiced then too. This special Living History Theater tour will take you through the house where costumed actors will present scenes related to the Yellow Fever epidemic that raged through…
Find out more »Christmas in the Colonies
Christmas in the colonies was celebrated differently, and sometimes not at all, by each ethnic group who settled here, bringing traditions from their homeland. Graeme Park was home to the Scottish Keith and Graeme families, Irish and German servants, enslaved workers, and later the Quaker Penroses. As you tour the rooms of the Keith House, costumed actors will present these different traditions to you - some you will recognize in our modern day celebrations or maybe you'll discover something new…
Find out more »The “Dead” of Winter: An Historical Séance
Join us for a theatrical, historically-based séance in the spooky, candlelit parlor of the Keith House at Graeme Park. The experience will be conducted in the style of an early 20th century séance when "mediums" and "psychics" took advantage of those for whom death was a very near experience, perhaps having recently lost loved ones in the 1918 flu pandemic or the first World War, by using trickery and magic to convince them they were in contact with their beloved.…
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