by Leisa McCracken | Apr 28, 2022
Saturday May 14th, 2022 * 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The event is being held in the 1865 lobby of the Franklin County Visitors Bureau at 15 South Main Street in Chambersburg.
Enjoy an afternoon of tea and talk about Harriet Rebecca Lane, First Lady of Franklin County and the United States
Author Bob O’Connor will speak about Harriet Lane, sharing excerpts of his book, “Harriet Lane: The Original First Lady of Washington.” Emily Martin, a local thespian, will bring a young Miss Lane to life as she mixes and mingles with her visitors.
The 10,000 sq. ft. building served as a bank from 1865 to 2015.
A Little About Harriet
Harriet was born in Mercersburg, Franklin County, PA on May 9, 1830 to Elliott Tole Lane and Jane Buchanan Lane.
Her grandfather was a merchant, who came from Donegal County in Ireland and established a good foundation for his family.
Harriet’s father was a merchant, and her mother was the younger sister of James Buchanan. It was a family of ample means.
Even with a level of wealth, her life was not easy. At age nine, her mother died and two years later, her father.
Her favorite uncle, James Buchanan, adopted Harriet.
She would serve as his confidante and consultant, traveling to Great Britain when Buchanan served as Minister to England.
She was a favorite of Queen Victoria and the royal court.
When James Buchanan became president, she served as “First Lady” and was an accomplished hostess.
She chose to hold off marrying until she was 35 years old. Within three years, she would have two sons and a happy family life.
Tragedy returned in 1881, 1882, and 1884 when she lost both sons to rheumatic fever and her husband died unexpectedly.
Harriet Lane came to understand the fleetingness of life, the value of family, and the importance of keeping a purpose.
She gave generously to the research of children’s disease, endowed a school for boys, and planted the seed of a national art gallery.
The Perspective of a Celtic Blessing
“May God give you, for every storm, a rainbow, for every tear, a smile, for every care, a promise and a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sign a sweet song, and an answer for each prayer.”
by Leisa McCracken | Apr 1, 2022
Thursday April 7th, 2022 * 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Franklin County is celebrating National Beer Day with a little history or Franklin County brewing and a tasting of local beers.
About this event
Franklin County has a long history of agriculture.
The county grew with the strong farming practices of the German immigrants that settled in the area.
Learn about early agriculture, local beer making, and how important brewing and distilling were to farmers and the local economy.
Then, taste today’s brews.
Franklin County has a growing beermaking industry.
Enjoy a complimentary soup and sandwich lunch.
Network and meet other beer lovers and take along the new Franklin County Pour Trail of breweries, wineries, and distilleries in and around Franklin County PA.
by Leisa McCracken | Mar 31, 2022
WEDNESDAY APRIL 20, 2022 * 12:00 PM
Join us along with good friend and local historian Mike Marotte for a FREE Lunch & Learn event!
Local historian Mike Marotte is passionate about trains and trolleys.
Over his lifetime, Mike has gathered a comprehensive collection of Franklin County’s local history.
He will tell the story of Franklin County’s local trains and trolleys–when they came, where they connected Franklin County, and what remains today.
Best of all, Mike will show you this history with his extensive collection of local images.
Plus, enjoy a soup and sandwich lunch in this complimentary event to celebrate history in Franklin County.
by Leisa McCracken | Dec 31, 2021
Saturday January 15, 2022
Doors Open at 4:00 PM & Show Starts at 7:30 PM
Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser at The Knights of Columbus, Chambersburg
$60 per person * Must be 18 years or older
Benefits Women in Need of Franklin County
For tickets call, 717.404.4222.
Also available at Crosscountry Mortgage and Knights of Columbus
DECEIT IS IN THE AIR, TELL THE TRUTH AND PLAY FAIR…. FIND A MASK AND WEAR IT WELL, SO YOUR TRUE IDENTITY NO ONE CAN TELL…..