2013 Events at Graeme Park

While you're planning out your 2013 Calendar - scheduling all those doctor/dental/vet appointments, recording birthdays and anniversaries, practices, concerts, and games - why not take a few minutes to review some of the great programs we have planned at Graeme Park in the coming year and jot those down too so you remember them, and more importantly, make time for them. We'll have more details on each event as it approaches, so check back or subscribe to our email updates. You can also check on the new "DO" tab at the top to see these dates any time without having to go back through old blog posts or of course visit our website at www.graemepark.org.

Colonial Valentine's Day Tours—February 10 - Learn the history of Graeme Park and of Elizabeth Graeme’s loves and losses as costumed actors present vignettes throughout the historic Keith House. Tours run approximately every half hour from 12 noon—3 pm and are $12/person, which includes light refreshments.


Colonial Cooking Class—March 9 - Experience first hand the emergence of our unique American appetite, as the period leading up to the Revolutionary War brings together elements of English, German, French, and Native recipes! Distinctively taught in the intimate summer kitchen at Graeme Park, the Hearth and Home cooking series will give participants the opportunity to prepare a full colonial meal over an open wood fire, as would have been enjoyed by the Graeme family during their time in the Keith House. $55/class or $100 for March and May classes. Reservations required.

Charter Day—March 10 - Free tours in honor of the granting of the Pennsylvania Charter to William Penn. If you’re one of the locals who’s driven by here countless times and never knew what we were about, please stop in and find out. 12 noon—3/3:30 pm. Free.

World War II Encampment—April 20-21 - Join us on the grounds of Graeme Park and the adjacent Penrose-Strawbridge House to see American and German camps and vehicles, including trucks and armor, military demonstrations and a mock battle, live music, and more. Admission charged.

Colonial Cooking Class—May 11 - Experience first hand the emergence of our unique American appetite, as the period leading up to the Revolutionary War brings together elements of English, German, French, and Native recipes! Distinctively taught in the intimate summer kitchen at Graeme Park, the Hearth and Home cooking series will give participants the opportunity to prepare a full colonial meal over an open wood fire, as would have been enjoyed by the Graeme family during their time in the Keith House. $55/class or $100 for March and May classes. Reservations required.

Celtic Heritage Festival—July 20 - In honor of the Scottish heritage of the Keith, Graeme, and Fergusson families, Graeme Park will be abuzz with Celtic vendors, music, dance, food, games, Celtic clans and non-profits, and children’s activities. A fun-filled day for the entire family. 10 am—6 pm. Admission charged.

Yellow Fever Living History Theater—August 25 - Learn about the Yellow Fever epidemic that raged through Philadelphia in the summer of 1793 and the effect it had on the residents at Graeme Park. Costumed actors will be presenting vignettes throughout the house. Tours run approximately every half hour from 12 noon—3 pm. Admission charged.

Homeschool Day—September 18 - This annual day for homeschoolers and their families features tours of the Keith House and various activities around the grounds, including a hearth cooking demonstration, military drill, colonial games and activities. Admission charged.

Senior Days—October 1-2 - In the tradition of Elizabeth Graeme’s Attic Evenings, where people gathered to discuss various topics and learn from one another, the Friends of Graeme Park are offering seniors two days of lectures, seminars, and discussions on a wide range of topics. We guarantee you will find something entertaining, educational, perhaps even enlightening. Continental breakfast and lunch included. Admission charged. Reservations required.

Haunted Moonlight Tours—October 25-26 - Graeme Park has been called the most haunted house in Horsham, and stories of Elizabeth’s ghost have been circulating since very soon after she died. Our own volunteers, staff and visitors often report strange smells, sounds, and happenings in the house. These evening candlelit tours take you through the house where you’ll encounter costumed actors presenting scenes related to the history of Graeme Park and Elizabeth, and hear stories about some of the experiences we’ve had ourselves or that have been passed down through the ages. Admission charged.

A Soldier’s Christmas—November 30 - Tour the grounds and first floor of the historic Keith House to see reenactors portraying various eras and wars and learn about how the soldiers celebrated the Christmas holidays on the battlefront. Crafts and refreshments will also be available. 3:00-8:00 pm. Free admission.

The Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793

The yellow fever epidemic that swept through Philadelphia in 1793, killing an estimated 10% of the city’s population, made country retreats like Graeme Park important havens. It was this epidemic that prompted Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson’s nephew-in-law, William Smith and his second wife, to take up residence at Graeme Park, which they had purchased from Elizabeth in 1791. Not wanting to live as a guest in her ancestral home, their move resulted in Elizabeth leaving her home for a boarding house in Hatboro, and finally to the home of Seneca Lukens, a local clockmaker, where she spent the last years of her life.

A special Living History Theater program, August 23 at Graeme Park in Horsham, will focus on the yellow fever epidemic of 1793 and its impact on the residents of Graeme Park and their friends. Costumed actors will present vignettes related to yellow fever in tours throughout the day between 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m. Admission is $8/regular (12-64); $7/seniors (65+); $4/kids (3-11).

This program is sponsored by the Friends of Graeme Park with the cooperation of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Call 215-343-0965 for details. Directions are available on our website at http://www.ushistory.org/graeme.

Read an article about our event in the Trend newspaper - http://www.philly.com/community/archives/features/53233057.html