Lunch and Learn Lecture Series at Graeme Park

This October why not get in the "back to school" mood with an informative talk, lunch and tour of the historic Keith House, when the Friends of Graeme Park present their Lunch & Learn Lecture Series on three consecutive Wednesday mornings. The day will include a continental breakfast, lecture, hot and cold lunch buffet (different hot entree each week) and tour of the historic Keith House. You can sign up for one, two, or all three. The cost is $20/lecture or $50 for the entire series. We have several interesting topics lined up as described below. Check-in and breakfast begin at 10:15, the lecture starts at 11, lunch is at noon and the house tour will follow. Please see our website at www.graemepark.org for more information and the registration form.

October 1

Your Appointment with Dr. Benjamin Rush

Congratulations!  You have managed to survive the 1793 epidemic of yellow fever that has decimated the population of Philadelphia and Dr. Rush has scheduled a follow-up visit with you to review the epidemic and discuss possible treatments.  Meet him at Graeme Park, the Horsham home of the Graeme family and an important rural refuge during the epidemic in the city.  Although he is famous for his massive bloodletting techniques, you probably will not be subjected to that therapy on this particular visit.

Presenter: Dr. Jim Miller: Jim is a retired biology professor and published author. With his scientific career behind him, he’s free to pursue his interests in the arts and humanities, and sometimes plays a doctor at Graeme Park.

October 8

To Normandy and Back Again

One June 6, 1944 Allied forces landed troops on the beaches of Normandy. Nineteen year old PFC Herbert Levy arrived a few days later with the Corps of Engineers where his duties involved building bridges, explosives expertise and more. Herb, who received the French Legion of Honor medal a few years ago, recently had the opportunity to travel back to Normandy with his grandchildren as a guest of the French government for the 70th Anniversary Celebration. His presentation will take you through his wartime duties and his recent trip back .

Presenter, Herbert F. Levy, AIA: After his discharge from the Army, Herb went on to earn his BA in Architecture and his MA in American Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. He’s been a volunteer researcher and docent at Graeme Park for more years than anyone can remember.

October 15

They Were Soldiers, Too:  Researching Civil War Women on the Home Front

Mothers, daughters, sister, sweethearts, and wives--North and South--had a unique Civil War story often overlooked in the fervor to write of battles and battlefields. Remarkable records survive to tell the stories of women on the homefront; stories of love, leadership, loss, and often divided loyalties played out in row homes, mansions, slave quarters, and plowfields from Maine to Florida.  Come learn of grandmas who really did shoot Yankees, aunties who feigned modesty to conceal contraband in their "dainties,"  spirited mothers who fiercely protected their families, and much much more.  Participants will be equipped to seek their own stories of strong women in the Civil War. 

Presenter: Kellee Green Blake: Kellee is the retired director of the National Archives, Mid-Atlantic Region. She is an accomplished speaker with expertise on many historical and genealogical topics.

A Soldier's Christmas

Peace on Earth. It’s what we all wish for, not only at Christmastime, but throughout the year. Wars don’t stop for Christmas, but soldiers not actively engaged in fighting on Christmas day strove to celebrate the holiday in ways that reminded them of home. In fact, many of our beloved Christmas traditions came out of wartime celebrations and Christmas became a federal holiday in 1870, five years after the end of the Civil War, in an attempt by President Grant to reconcile the still divided north and south. 

Prior to the Revolutionary War, Christmas in America was a quiet, religious occasion and not celebrated with a lot of outward festivities and fanfare. Many historians credit the Hessian soldiers from Germany, who fought in America alongside the British, with introducing Christmas trees to the United States. Decorated trees were just starting to become popular when the Civil War broke out, and at least one account records Civil War soldiers as decorating their tree with “hard tack and pork” – materials they had on hand, just as they would have used popcorn, dried fruit, pinecones, and homemade paper decorations had they been celebrating at home. Later generations of soldiers did their best to maintain established traditions, with visits from Santa, wrapped gifts arriving from loved ones, singing carols - many of which originated during the years leading up to the Civil War, and decorations made from foil, tin cans, and anything else they could make with salvaged materials and creativity.

On Saturday, November 30 the grounds and first floor of the Keith House at Graeme Park will be open for free tours from 12:00 noon-6:00 p.m. with soldiers representing different wars encamped on the property demonstrating how Christmas was celebrated on the battlefront during different eras throughout our history. Crafts, ornaments and refreshments will be available for purchase in the Visitors’ Center and we're working on rounding up some musical entertainment.

Call 215-343-0965 for details. Directions are available on our website at www.graemepark.org.

A Day for Homeschoolers at Graeme Park

Graeme Park has always been a popular place for school field trips, and every year we entertain thousands of local school children, teaching them about the former residents of Graeme Park and the kind of life they led here in once rural Horsham. Now homeschooling families can get in on the act too! On Wednesday, September 18, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, homeschoolers and their families are invited to enjoy a day of fun and learning with interactive activities and tours of the historic Keith House.

Kids will enjoy writing with quill pens, playing colonial games on the lawn, making toys, and participating in a militia drill and orienteering exercise. The cost is $6/person and children must be accompanied by a responsible adult (no drop-offs).

WWII Weekend Participants and a Few Small Schedule Changes

With the World War II Weekend upon us (it is next weekend, April 20-21/raindate 4/27-28) things have been pretty busy here on the organizing end. Our team, lead by Beth MacCausland and Marie Cherry, has put together a weekend stuffed full of things to see and do. We published the schedule back in February and things have remained more or less the same with just a few small changes: the flag raising ceremony on both days will be at 10:30 instead of right when we open at 10, and on Sunday, the U.S. Army Band was not able to make it, so in their time slot at 1:30 we'll be featuring Mickey and Stanley Goldfarber, who will be serenading you with favorite Patriotic and military tunes.

Central to the event are of course the reenactment units and historians. These guys (and some gals) have made a hobby out of collecting period uniforms and other militaria, as well as background information on the period and their units, so they can dress and act the part of WWII soldiers, sailors, other military personnel and 1940s civilians. You'll see men in American and German uniforms with appropriate camp set-ups, vehicles, and other accoutrements, and portrayals of British and Russians too. Some of these guys will fight in a mock-battle, including bringing in a tank, and others will be doing living history demonstrations of camp life and setting up a military hospital.

So far we've confirmed the following units will be participating, and there may be more:

WWII Reenactment Units—Americans

35th Infantry Division Recon (host unit)
1st Infantry Division
4th Armored Division
5th Rangers
9th Infantry WWII Historical Preservation Society
101st Airborne E. Company
103rd Infantry Division
Red Ball Express
110th Medical Battalion
517th PRCT

WWII Reenactment Units—Germans
5th S.S.
9th S.S.
35th Infantry Division
45th Infanterie Division

WWII Reenactment Units—Others
British Paratroopers
135th Rifles Regiment
193rd Red Army Rifle Division

In addition to the reenactment going on, there will be tons of displays and other interactive activities:

Aces Museum, located in Philadelphia, houses the restored Parker Hall, which was a functional USO for Black Soldiers and their Families in the 1940s. They get their name from the “Spades” of the era, but honor all Veterans. They are a Veterans' Service Organization and site of the National Associate of Black Veterans, Philadelphia (NABVET). They'll be putting on a puppet show and letting people know about the work they do.

Other Veterans' organizations that will be on hand include the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with information on health care and other benefits for vets, Honor Flight, who provide free tours to veterans to visit and reflect at their memorials in Washington, DC, and the Liberty USO of Pennsyvlania and Southern New Jersey, who provide comfort, care and support to the troops and their families.

John Alosi, Jr. author of War Birds: A History of the 282nd Signal Pigeon Company will be on hand to sell and sign his books and will have a period pigeon trailer, complete with pigeons, for visitors to see as they learn about the role carrier pigeons played in WWII. The Harold F. Pitcairn Wings of Freedom Museum will also have an interactive display, in the form of partial WWII-era plane that visitors can tour. The ladies from Historical Military Impressions will be running a recruitment stand, and pin-up models will be greeting visitors and circulating in the crowd. We'll also have various car collectors and enthusiasts with their 1940s era military and civilian vehicles.

The musical entertainment we have lined up includes the Society Music Makers on Saturday playing swing favorites from the 1940s, and Mickey and Stanley Goldfarber on Sunday with Patrotic and military songs. Before Saturday's swing concert, Vince Masciarelli, a dance instructor from Glenside, will be showing you the moves to get you out on the dance floor. Both days will  begin with a flag raising and singing of the National Anthem by Jenny Pappas.

Of course the weekend wouldn't be complete without honoring the men and women who actually served in WWII: we'll have a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, Pearl Harbor survivors, and veterans of the European and Asian theaters on hand to tell you about their experiences - some have even written books. We'll also be honoring veterans of all wars with a lighting of luminaries and reading of their names by Representatives Tom Murt and Todd Stephens on Saturday and a dedication of a memorial on Sunday. Both honorariums will be accompanied by presentations by the Honor and Color Guards and a gun salute.

If you're coming, the event runs from 10-5 on Saturday and 10-3 on Sunday. The cost for adults is $10/day or $15 for the weekend. The cost for teens 13-17 and seniors 65+ is $5/day and the event is free for children 12 and under, veterans and current service personnel.

World War II Weekend - 2013

While the promise of spring may still seem to be in the distant future, our committee has been hard at work for months now planning the World War II Weekend to be held on the grounds of Graeme Park and the Penrose-Strawbridge House on April 20-21 (raindate April 27-28). In addition to organizing the various vendors, non-profits, WWII veterans, and reenactment groups, some of whom will be traveling from neighboring states to spend the weekend camping on the grounds and sharing their history and displays with our visitors, we've finalized our preliminary schedule and have an action packed weekend planned. Please note that times are approximate and subject to change but this should give you a general idea of what we're offering and when.

WWII Schedule - Saturday, April 20

Flag Raising Ceremony & National Anthem - 10:00 am - Join us at the flag pole for the raising of the American flag and singing of the National Anthem, led by a professional singer.

Displays Open - 10:00 am – 4:00 pm - Visitors can tour American and German camps staffed by reenactors, see period military and non-military vehicle displays, see a WWII pigeon trailer and learn about the role pigeons played during wartime, step inside the Harold F. Pitcairn Wings of Freedom Museum's airplane simulation cockpit, meet author John Alosi, Jr. who will be signing his book War Birds, meet and talk to WWII veterans, including a member of the Tuskegee Airman, shop with various vendors selling WWII era military equipment, t-shirts, and reproduction PX items, and learn about various non-profit veterans organizations, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and Honor Flight, and the services they offer.

Tours of the Keith House and Summer Kitchen - 10:30, 11:00 am, 2:00, 2:30, 3:00 pm - The Keith House, the 18th-century mansion at the core of Graeme Park, is a National Historic Landmark and the reason we do what we do. The Keith House was built c. 1722 for Sir William Keith, Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania and showcases well preserved, and largely untouched, architectural features and an interesting cast of former inhabitants. Brief tours will take visitors through the first two floors and touch on the lives of Keith, Dr. and Mrs. Graeme, and their daughter, the writer Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson. Elizabeth occupied Graeme Park during a different war, the Revolution, and its impact greatly altered the course of her life.

Weapons Demonstration - 11:30 am - 12:00 noon - Members of the reenactment groups will demonstrate how their WWII weapons work and fire off a few blanks.

Flag Folding Demonstration - 12:00 noon - Learn about how and why the flag is folded for ceremonial and presentation purposes and what each fold means.

Battle Reenactment - 12:30 - 1:30 pm - The first half hour or so of the battle is warm-up and staging for the reenactors and while visitors may be able to hear the gunfire, viewing will not be optimal until about 1:00 pm - a great time to grab a quick lunch, use the facilities and make your way up to the Penrose-Strawbridge House (our "French village" for the day) for when the real battle action begins at 1:00.

Luminaries & Gun Salute - 1:45 pm - State RepresentativesTom Murt and Todd Stephens will speak briefly and honor the veterans for whom luminaries have been purchased by reading their names. Following the dedication and lighting of the luminaries, a gun salute will honor our veterans.

Swing Dance Lesson and Demonstration - 2:00 - 2:45 pm - Get out your dance shoes and get ready to swing. Vince Masciarelli, a professional dance instructor from Glenside, Pennsylvania, will be teaching some basic dance moves to the audience and demonstrating some fancier footsteps with his partner.

USO Dance/Swing Band Concert - 3:00 - 4:45 pm - Now that you know how to swing, put your feet in motion to the Society Music Makers as they play hits from the 1940s through today, including favorites from Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and more.

WWII Schedule – Sunday, April 21

Flag Raising Ceremony & National Anthem - 10:00 am - Join us at the flag pole for the raising of the American flag and singing of the National Anthem, led by a professional singer.

Displays Open - 10:00 am – 3:00 pm - Visitors can tour American and German camps staffed by reenactors, see period military and non-military vehicle displays, see a WWII pigeon trailer and learn about the role pigeons played during wartime, step inside the Harold F. Pitcairn Wings of Freedom Museum's airplane simulation cockpit, meet author John Alosi, Jr. who will be signing his book War Birds, meet and talk to WWII veterans, including a member of the Tuskegee Airman, shop with various vendors selling WWII era military equipment, t-shirts, and reproduction PX items, and learn about various non-profit veterans organizations, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and Honor Flight, and the services they offer.

Weapons Demonstration - 11:00 - 11:30 am - Members of the reenactment groups will demonstrate how their WWII weapons work and fire off a few blanks.      

Tours of the Keith House and Summer Kitchen - 11:00, 11:30 am, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30 pm - The Keith House, the 18th-century mansion at the core of Graeme Park, is a National Historic Landmark and the reason we do what we do. The Keith House was built c. 1722 for Sir William Keith, Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania and showcases well preserved, and largely untouched, architectural features and an interesting cast of former inhabitants. Brief tours will take visitors through the first two floors and touch on the lives of Keith, Dr. and Mrs. Graeme, and their daughter, the writer Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson. Elizabeth occupied Graeme Park during a different war, the Revolution, and its impact greatly altered the course of her life.

Flag Folding Demonstration - 12:00 noon - Learn about how and why the flag is folded for ceremonial and presentation purposes and what each fold means. .

Battle Reenactment - 12:00 - 1:00 pm - The first half hour or so of the battle is warm-up and staging for the reenactors and while visitors may be able to hear the gunfire, viewing will not be optimal until about 12:30 pm - a great time to enjoy the flag folding demonstration, grab a quick lunch, use the facilities and make your way up to the Penrose-Strawbridge House (our "French village" for the day) for when the real battle action begins at 12:30.

Dedication of Monument by the Honor Guard and Gun Salute - 1:15 pm - We'll be placing a new monument out by the flag pole dedicated to our military vets past and present with a presentation by the honor guard and a gun salute.

US Army Band - 1:30 - 2:30 pm - Join us in the event tent for a spirited concert by the US Army Band, featuring patriotic tunes and favorites from the 1940s. Break out your dance shoes if you wish, or just tap your toe and hum along.

The general admission cost is $10/day ($15/both days); $5/seniors 65+; free/veterans & kids 12 and under. A special household admission price for two adults and accompanying children is also available for $25/day or $40/weekend.

A Colonial Valentine

Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson led a life of wealth and privilege, romance and intrigue, followed by heartbreak, poverty, and sorrow. One of the most highly regarded women of her time, she was well educated, the daughter of a prominent Philadelphia physician and the granddaughter of the former Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania. She spent her summers at idyllic Graeme Park and her winters enjoying the social scene in Philadelphia. A published poet and socialite, she hosted famed literary gatherings and counted luminaries of Philadelphia’s political, social and intellectual elite amongst her closest friends and confidents.

Early in life, she seemed to have it all: engaged to William Franklin, money, prestige, family connections, and success. So how did it all go so wrong for her? Left broken-hearted when Franklin married another, the untimely deaths of her parents, an ill-fated marriage to Loyalist Henry Hugh Fergusson, and the subsequent Revolutionary War were to drastically alter the course of Elizabeth’s life. Her husband’s loyalties left Elizabeth fighting to keep her ancestral home and scant few of her possessions. Her husband returned to England, branded a traitor, rumors of his infidelity swirling through Philadelphia. She alienated all but her closest friends in her attempts to find out the truth about Henry’s “indiscretions.” Financial woes forced Elizabeth out of her beautiful estate at Graeme Park to take up rooms as a boarder and then guest in someone else’s home. Her last years were spent in virtual seclusion, only one friend by her side.

Learn about Elizabeth’s loves and losses on Graeme Park’s annual Valentine’s Day Tour, featuring costumed actors portraying scenes from Elizabeth’s life in vignettes throughout the historic Keith House. Tours are on Sunday, February 10 and will run approximately every half hour between 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m. The cost is $12/person which includes light refreshments in the Visitor’s Center. No reservations. Call 215-343-0965 for more information. Directions are available at www.graemepark.org.

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.

Hearth and Home: Seasonal Cooking in the Colonial Kitchen

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.

Each class is taught by experienced site interpreter Erin Agnew, and will focus on the seasonal availibility of foods in Southeastern Pennsylvania . Each class includes a hands-on lesson in open hearth cooking and the opportunity to enjoy your authentic meal in our equally historic setting.

Classes will take place on: September 29, December 8, March 9, May 11, beginning at 10:30 am and ending between 2:00 and 3:00 pm. Participation Cost is $55.00 per class, or $200.00 for the series of four classes. Pre-registration and payment in advance is required. Registration will remain open until two days before each class
To register, or for more information: 215-343-0965 or visit www.graemepark.org

Shopping at Celtic

Get ready to shop at the Celtic Heritage Festival on July 21 on the shady, historic grounds of Graeme Park in Horsham, Pennsylvania. As always, we have a fine variety of Celtic and craft vendors bringing you everything from t-shirts to jewelry, pottery, woodenware, woolens and more. As of July 6, here is what we have lined up for you:

Ancient Order of Hibernians (http://www.aohdivision4.com/)

The Blackthorn Stick—Sterling and brass Celtic jewelry, woodburned & composite plaques.

Celtic Tides History of Family Names—(http://www.celtictides.com/)

Chester County Book Lady—Barefoot books and gifts, Putumayo CDs, Folkmanis puppets, board games. (http://www.chestercountybooklady.com/)

Clan MacAlister Society—Clan related shirts and mugs. (http://www.clanmacalistersociety.org/)



Cornish American Heritage Society—Book: Pennsylvania Slate Beckons the Cornish Quarryman to "North Americay" (http://www.pacornish.org/)



Darach Recordings—Carl Peterson CDs, swords, flags. (http://www.carl-peterson.com/)



Dog Gone Dog—Gourmet hot dogs, chili dogs - load them up with  your favorite toppings!

Diane DiMaggio & Sandy Cunningham—Handcrafted cloth napkins & table runners, BYOB bags, aprons, tea caddies, rice bags, baby bundles & onsies, walker bags.

Dopey Dragon Dry Goods—Beads, buttons, notions, yard goods, throws, leather, hats, feathers, fans. (http://www.dopeydragon.com/)



F.J. Donovan’s Fine Celtic Food—Bridies, meat pies, fish and chips.

The Friends of Graeme Park—Soft pretzels, ice cream, water ice. (http://www.graemepark.org/)

Funnel Cakes and Fried Oreos - Yummm!

Hatboro Beverage and the Friends of Graeme Park—Beer Tent (http://www.hatbev.com/)


JT’s T-Shirts—Irish t-shirts for adults and kids. (jt2094@aol.com)



Just Peachy Jewels—Jewelry. (http://www.justpeachyjewels.com/)

Kathleen's Celtic Gifts - Mullingar picture frames, key chains, money clips, Belleek baby mugs, Galway crystal, pewter door knockers and candle holders, Belleek anniversary ware, Scottish and Welsh flags (http://www.kathleenscelticgifts.com/)



RedEarthWorks—Sgraffito redware pottery. (redearthworks@aol.com)



Reflections of Ireland—Soccer & rugby shirts, kilts, capes, caps, Celtic jewelry, gift & novelty items.

R.E. Piland, Goldsmiths - Original, handmade jewelry based on the Celtic art form. Jewelry is made in sterling silver, 14k yellow, white, and rose gold, and gemstones. (http://www.repiland.com/)



Scentsy—Scented waxes and electric burners. (www.scentsy.com/dbiggs)

Steven Fine—Handmade jewelry & figurines of Tagua Nut; knit shawls and scarves; stuffed alpaca animals; handmade small houses.

Tastefully Simple—Beer bread & cake mixes, spices and sauces. (www.tastefullysimple.com/web/njones)

WizardsTower Beads & Gifts—Hand- carved wooden spoons & treen ware; magic wands; treasure chest; capes; wizards’/witches’ robes; traveling cloaks; ritual stoles; shawls; alter cloths; scarves; sacred object bags; Celtic/wiccan/pagan jewelry. (http://www.wizardstower1.com/)



Woody’s Bar-B-Q—Pulled pork & chicken, bar-b-q (215-674-5500)

2012 Celtic Heritage Festival - Get Ready to Be Entertained!

With the 16th Annual Celtic Heritage Festival only a month away, its about time for an update on the entertainment we've been hard at work booking and scheduling over the last weeks and months. We're excited to be bringing back Highland Athletics this year, and with women athletes too!

We've also scheduled border collie demonstrations again this year and they'll be herding sheep and I think ducks.

Some of the new things we have in store include a haggis eating contest, Celtic language instruction, the Barley Boys,

Ruthanne Ankney doing interactive storytelling and songs,

a blacksmithing demo, the 69th Irish Civil War regiment, and Dan Emery who not only plays the bagpipes but demonstrates the technique and the different types of pipes.

Of course we have old favorites too like the Celtic Martins (formerly the Martin Family Band),

Bucks Caledonia and MacGreggor Pipe and Drum Bands,

Carl Peterson playing folk songs from Scotland, Ireland, and England,

Bonnie Green demonstrating the art and science of creating the traditional kilt,

the Kilted Juggler, the Sabo School of Irish Dance and a moon bounce and games and crafts area for the kids.

The schedule, as it is currently shaping up, looks like this:

Flag Raising11:00—Pipe and Drum Bands
Keith House Stage
11:30-12:15—Carl Peterson
12:30-1:15—Bagpipe Demo (Dan Emery)
1:30-2:00—Pipe and Drum Bands

2:00-2:45—The Celtic Martins
3:00-3:30—Pipe and Drum Bands

3:30-4:15—The Celtic Martins
4:30—Athletics Awards & Haggis Trophy
5:00-5:45—The Barley Boys
5:45-6:00—Pipe and Drum Bands

6:00-6:45—The Barley Boys

Keith House Courtyard
House Tours
Kilt-Maker (Bonnie Heather Greene)
Blacksmith
69th Irish Civil War Regiment
Hearth Cooking

Festival Tent
12:30-1:00—Sabo School of Irish Dance
1:30-2:15—Celtic Stories & Songs (Ruthanne Ankney)
2:30-3:15—Bagpipe Demo (Dan Emery)
3:00-3:30—Sabo School of Irish Dance
4:00—Haggis Eating Contest

Field 1
11:30-3:30—Highland Athletics

Field 2
1:00-1:45—Border Collie/Herding Demo
3:30-4:15—Border Collie/Herding Demo

Barn Yard
Ongoing
Moonbounce
Children’s Crafts & Games
Carl Peterson
The Kilted Juggler
2:15—Celtic Dance Demo/Lesson
2:30– Kilt-Making Demo
3:00—Celtic Instrument Demo/Show and Tell

Visitor’s Center
3:15—Celtic Language
Instruction (Casey O’Connor)

Please plan to join us for a jam-packed day of fun and entertainment, shopping, food, history, and Celtic heritage. The festival is July 21 from 10-6 and the cost is $10/adults and $5/kids,

World War II Weekend at Graeme Park

Update: For information on the 2013 WWII Weekend, please see our updated post, here.

On May 5 and 6 the grounds of Graeme Park and the adjacent Penrose-Strawbridge House will play host to a World War II encampment and battle reenactment. Reenactors representing American and German troops will set up camps, including restored period trucks, tanks, and other vehicles, and will be in authentic uniforms throughout the weekend.

On Saturday a battle reenactment will be staged using the stone outbuildings around the Penrose-Strawbridge House to represent a French village.

As of this writing, we have reenactors from the 110th medical battalion, who will have a medical tent set up, the 3rd and 9th infantries, the 4th armored division, the 9th S.S. and the 142nd Gebirgs signed up. When the battle isn't taking place, visitors will be able to tour the camps, see the vehicles on display, take a tour of the historic Keith House, shop the sutler's booths, or grab some lunch. After the battle there will be musical entertainment from the Fubar Boys and a big band concert (band to be determined) in the tent at Graeme Park. A brief military drill will cap off the day on Saturday. Sunday will be a bit less intense in terms of the fighting, but visitors can tour the camps, view the vehicles, tour the Keith House, hear a speaker or two and shop with the vendors.

The Schedule:

May 5 - 10:00 am—4:00 pm

Ongoing—Vendors, House Tours, Tour Camps
10—Troop Inspections
11:40—Welcome from Senator Stewart Greenleaf
11:50—Welcome from Representative Todd Stephens
12-1—Battle Reenactment
1:30—2—Fubar Boys (USO-Style Music)
2—3—Society Music Makers (Big Band Concert)
3:30—4—Military Demo

May 6 - 10:00—2:00 pm
Ongoing—Vendors, House Tours, Tour Camps
12—Speakers/War Stories

If it rains on Saturday, all activities will be held on Sunday. Admission cost is $10 for Saturday and $6 for Sunday. There is no charge for WWII vets. Please note the activities and camps are spread out around the property and will require some walking to see it all. Grounds are relatively flat, with a slight incline to access the battle viewing area. The terrain is mostly grass, with a gravel drive to the battle area and three flights of stairs to tour the Keith House.

Vendors and reenacting units who are interested in participating can contact Graeme Park at ra-graemepark@state.pa.us and we'll send you the information to sign up.

The Sweetheart of Graeme Park

Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson led a life of wealth and privilege, romance and intrigue, heartbreak, poverty and sorrow. She was the youngest child of the prominent and wealthy Dr. Thomas Graeme and his wife, Ann Diggs Graeme, and the step-granddaughter of Sir William Keith, Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania. She spent her summers at idyllic Graeme Park and her winters enjoying the social scene in Philadelphia. She was well educated and spent time travelling abroad, writing, and in the company of Philadelphia’s political, social, and literary elite.

After early heartbreak at the hands of William Franklin, Elizabeth finally met and married a man she would describe in one of her poems as tall, handsome, brown-haired, blue-eyed, charming, and a little untrustworthy and careless with the feelings of others. Henry Hugh Fergusson would side with the British during the Revolution and as a result of his loyalties, Elizabeth would find herself after the war fighting to keep her ancestral home and a scant few of her possessions.

Henry returned to England and the couple would never again be together. Rumors swirled through Philadelphia of his infidelity and an illegitimate child and Elizabeth began an unrelenting quest to learn the truth on this matter, which alienated all but her closest of friends. She spent the years after the Revolution at Graeme Park with her friend Betsy Stedman as her companion, struggling to pay debts left by her father and to regain title to her home. Her last years were spent as a boarder and then a guest in the home of a friend. She died on February 23 with Betsy Stedman and her grandniece, Anna Smith, at her side.

Guests at the Colonial Valentine’s Day tour will see Elizabeth’s story reenacted in vignettes throughout the house. Tours are $12/person and will run approximately every 30 minutes from 12 noon to 3 pm on Sunday, February 12. Light refreshments are included in the tour price. No reservations.

We’re running these tours during daylight hours this year, since the weather in February can be a little dicey. We hope those of you who have been hesitant to join us on a cold, dark night will make it out for a truly terrific program and great way to learn the history of Graeme Park.

2012 Events Calendar

Wow, this sure got overlooked in the past year. With all we had going on here at Graeme Park in 2011 it just wasn't a priority, but I would like to remedy that in the upcoming year. We've pared our calendar down a bit and will be focusing on our best and most successful events in order to be able to devote more time to doing them well and to give our volunteers a break from the rapid succession of events we had last year. We're also hoping our new partnership with Open Aire Affairs will begin to come into fruition and with fewer events, that leaves us with more open weekends available to rent the site for weddings and private parties which take place on the grounds in the new Open Aire Affairs tent which went up this past July.

As it looks now, our 2012 events will include:

Colonial Valentine's Day Tours - In the past these have been reservations-only candlelit tours in the evenings. This year we decided to change it up and offer them during the day since the weather can be a bit dicey in February and committing to coming out on a cold, dark night doesn't work for everyone. The format will be the same - a guided tour with costumed actors presenting scenes throughout the house that relate the story of Elizabeth Graeme's loves and loses and other important history of Graeme Park.

Charter Day - This is the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commissions annual give-back to the community where most of the state historic sites are open free of charge. While Graeme Park is currently being operated by the Friends of Graeme Park, we plan to participate anyway, so 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; and if you're a history or architecture buff who makes an annual pilgrimage traveling around to see as many sites as you can on this day, we'll be here to show you around.

World War II Encampment - This is still in the planning stages - we held the first one just last month, but we're kicking around the idea of doing it in the spring instead. The group in charge of hosting the Civil War Encampment this year will be doing it at a different locale, so that leaves us with an opening in April or May. We'll let you know details when we have them.



Celtic Heritage Festival - This is our main fundraising event of the year, so we'll be back doing it again. Vendors, music, dancers, food, Celtic clans and non-profits, it's always a great day of entertainment, shopping and fun.



Shakespeare in the Park - The venues are totally up to Theatre Horizon, the professional theater group who puts on the show, but we're game if they are. In the past they've presented As You Like It and Much Ado About Nothing. Whatever the play, it's always a fun time enjoying one of the Bard's lighthearted comedies in a beautiful outdoor setting.



Colonial Adventure Camp - A week long program for elementary aged kids to enjoy colonial games, crafts, cooking, and other activities. The activities vary from year to year so there is always something new and exciting for kids to do, but old favorites also make reappearances, and of course there are old friendships to renew and new ones to be made.

Yellow Fever Living History Theater - This is another guided tour of the Keith House where you encounter costumed actors along the way doing scenes related to the Yellow Fever epidemic that raged though Philadelphia in 1793. A perhaps little known fact about Elizabeth's history is that she didn't remain at Graeme Park until her death. Shortly before the epidemic she had sold the property to her niece's husband and his second wife. They remained in Philadelphia and allowed her to stay at Graeme Park until the fever broke out, at which point they came to the country to escape the disease. Elizabeth stayed with them for the time being, but once they decided to make Graeme Park their permanent residence, she did not wish to remain as a guest in the home she had for so long been mistress of, so she moved out.

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

Dog Faire - Elizabeth loved her dog Fidele, and we love our four-legged visitors. The park is dog-friendly at any time of year with lots of open fields and nature trails to explore - heck we usually even have homemade dog biscuits for sale in our shop. During the annual dog faire, we have vendors and rescues to shop from, games and activities to participate in and free drawings for lots of great raffle prizes.



Haunted Moonlight Tours - 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 reported to us or passed down through the ages.



We'll of course bring you more details on events as they approach and as we know more with specifics on dates, times, costs, vendors who will be joining us and more. If you haven't made time to come to a Graeme Park event in the past, we hope you'll join us and see what a beautiful and interesting place this is and of course if you have a favorite event you attend every year, we're glad to have you back, and hope you can bring along some others to share in a great time.