Womelsdorf, PA – “Colonial Crafts, Demonstrations & Skills” is the title of a living history program that will take place at Conrad Weiser Homestead and Memorial Park on Sunday, May 18, 2008, from Noon until 4 PM. The program will include on-going demonstrations of a variety of 18th century trades and crafts by skilled artisans in period garb and surroundings. This free program will allow visitors to observe how a variety of 18th century handcrafted items were made, ask questions of the artisans about their clothing, tools and products. Some artisans will have their completed wares on display and available for sale.

Some of the trades will include tinsmithing (also known as whitesmithing), powder horn making (horner), joinery (historic woodworking), 18th century letter writing, open hearth cooking demonstration, wool spinning, food & travel talk, and constructing fortification. Some of the artisans will include Horner Mike Slease, Joiner Dave Hoffman, and Tinsmith Scott Baylor. David Sonnen, Cocalico High School biology teacher and President of the Friends of the Conrad Weiser Homestead, will conduct a park walk in the guise of America’s first Botanist, John Bartram. This walk will take place at 2 PM. Those planning to go along on the walks should wear weather appropriate attire and footwear for the approximately thirty minute trek through the 26 acre park that is over uneven terrain.

This educational and entertaining program is free and open to the public and is made possible by the Friends of Conrad Weiser Homestead. Normal admission will be charged for the self-guided tours of the three buildings containing the orientation exhibits.

The historic site preserves a portion of the original Weiser Homestead and interprets his life and important work. Conrad Weiser is remembered as Pennsylvania’s foremost colonial “peacemaker” and ambassador to Indians during the turbulent mid -18th century. Weiser was influential in the founding of Reading in 1748 and Berks County in 1752. Today, Weiser’s home and gravesite are situated within a 26-acre memorial park designed by the famous Olmsted Brothers firm of Landscape Architects.

Individuals with disabilities who need special assistance or accommodation should call 610.589.2934 in advance to discuss their needs.

The Conrad Weiser Homestead is located midway between Reading and Lebanon along US Route 422 adjacent to Womelsdorf in western Berks County. A web site is available at www.conradweiserhomestead.org. The Homestead is administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the official history agency for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and is supported by the Friends of Conrad Weiser Homestead.



 

Conrad Weiser Homestead
28 Weiser Lane
Womelsdorf, PA 19567
610-589-2934
info@conradweiserhomestead.org

The site is administered by the PHMC and aided by the Friends of the Conrad Weiser Homestead.

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