Penn State Extension Franklin County 181 Franklin Farm Ln. Chambersburg, PA 17202
Participants will learn about fertilizing their vegetable garden, harvesting crops at the right time, growing perennial edible crops, and have a question-and-answer session and guided walk with Master Gardeners!
Our series of StoryWalk® Sunday adventures for kids continues in May.
The story posted on the StoryWalk® trail at Pine Hill Park will change monthly, and plans call for a special event to accompany each one on the second Sunday of each month.
May’s StoryWalk® Sunday is the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day!
Kids will join a guided walk along the story trail as they read the book, then make a special craft project to take home—and enjoy a campfire and yummy s’mores!
May’s storybook is “My Busy Green Garden” by Terry Pierce, a perfect choice as the season of gardens begins.
This charming book is a lyrical tribute to the bugs, bees, and birds that make a garden such a busy place.
More garden visitors appear on with each page, and all the while the “surprise”―a chrysalis―changes unnoticed until, on the last page, a butterfly emerges and flies away across the garden’s well-tended borders.
A lovely and lively portrait of backyard nature, which is also a gentle meditation on the rewards of paying attention.
Richly colored illustrations by Carol Schwartz bring the story to life. A chipmunk hides on every page to divert and engage young readers.
The event is FREE, but pre-registration is required by May 2. To register, email to: info@natureandcultureinstitute.orgor call 717-762-0373. Limited to 20 children.
Children in grades K–5 may be dropped off and picked up at 3 p.m. All families are welcome, but activities are geared for preschool and elementary age kids.
The book for June is “And Then Summer Comes” by Tom Brenner.
Current Covid safety guidelines are being followed.
Historic Programs in the Cabin and Gardens and Saturday
Every Saturday join our staff in the Historic areas of CI for some hands on programs.
With a focus on daily life in the 18th Century, you’re sure to learn something new every time.
Join us EVERY Saturday for the following programs on the hour:
10:00 AM
The Kitchen Garden
Roll your sleeves up and get your hands dirty! Learn about our kitchen garden and why they were an incredibly important part of frontier life in the 18th century. Lend a hand to our historic gardener by fetching water from our well, pulling weeds, picking fresh produce and smelling herbs that will be perfect for any cook in the kitchen! Your hard work may be rewarded with fresh seasonal produce.
11:00 AM
At Home on the Frontier
Home is where you make it and for people on the Pennsylvania frontier those homes were made of logs. Join our interpreters in the log home and learn about daily life for the people of the frontier and what kinds of people lived here. Help out around the home by grabbing a broom, polishing our metals, or BEATING the dirt out of some soiled linens. There is much to do and many hands make quick work!
12:00 PM
Garden to Table
In the 18th century, people ate with the seasons. Learn about the meals everyday people made using their kitchen gardens and what was in season. Smell what we have cooking or give the kettle a stir. How would you like cooking a meal in a smoky hearth over a hot fire?
1:00 PM
Making New
Tools break and clothes tear, but this doesn’t mean they are thrown out. In the 18th century many would have had the skills to keep their belongings in good order. Join our interpreters in learning some hands on skills whether that be darning, sewing, mending, repairing or rebuilding. What did it take to keep up with the wear and tear of daily life on the frontier.
2:00 PM
Stylin’ in the 18th Century
The settlers of the frontier may have been thousands of miles from the fashions of London or Paris, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t have style. Learn about what it takes to be fashionable in the rural parts of the colonies. Try on the clothes of the era and snag a selfie!
3:00 PM
Pleasant Diversions
Life on the frontier wasn’t all hard work. Gather at our Ordinary and blow off some steam. Learn about the role ordinaries and taverns played in their communities and try your hand at the games table. Join in a song and learn what it means to be a part of a frontier community.
Celebrate nearly 300 years of farming heritage at Renfrew Museum and Park!
Join us for a full day of family-friendly activities on our centuries-old Pennsylvania German farmstead and learn about seasonal rhythms of life on the farm for the families that once called our 107-acres home.
Your admission includes tours of the beautifully furnished 1812 Royer House (first floor only), 1808 Fahnestock farmhouse, and horse-drawn wagon rides.
Complementary activities include visiting our nineteenth century outbuildings, historic gardens and property, interactions with historic interpreters, food and retail vendor area.
Explore the Smoke House and Milk House on your own, then head over to the Summer Kitchen to interact with our skilled historic interpreters.
Check out what’s been harvested from our heirloom gardens, shop the museum gift store and browse the selection of goods at the outdoor vendor booths along Fahnestock Lane.
Special highlights include Ed Miller’s vintage tractors and an original fully-equipped Conestoga wagon on display (weather dependent).
Add something special to your day by purchasing admission to the Farmstead Dinner, an exclusive V.I.P dining experience inside the restored Fahnestock Barn.
Limited seating available. Separate ticket required. Additional information below.
With so much to see and do at Renfrew, you’re bound to enjoy all that Farmstead Day has to offer. See you at Farmstead Day!
All sales final. Pre-registration not eligible for refund. Farmstead Day is a “rain or shine” event. Activities may be altered slightly to accommodate changes in weather.
